A gust of wind went through the LSU indoor practice facility during its annual pro day on Monday.
NFL scouts might have felt the breeze when former LSU linebacker Deion Jones ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, demolishing his 4.59-second time at the NFL combine nearly a month ago.
“Did they have a breeze come through?” Jones said. “I was just shooting for 4.40. I didn’t get it at the combine. It was personal. I just gave it my all. I didn’t expect to go that fast.”
When LSU began the 2016 season, Jones wasn’t rated high on many draft boards after seeing most of his playing time on special teams in his first three seasons. But after recording a team-leading 100 tackles in his senior season, Jones has risen his stock.
In addition to representatives from all 32 NFL teams, LSU coach Les Miles was in attendance to watch his former players.
Miles raved about his former linebacker and his speed.
“He continued to get better and better,” Miles said. “When he first got here he had an injury. I’d have to go back Patrick Peterson 40-yard dash time before I got close to that. He’ll be an instant star on special teams. You put him on third down with that type of speed. I’d be surprised if wasn’t an early selection.”
Jones is currently projected to go off the board at No. 47 to the New Orleans Saints, according to Rotoworld.com.
The New Orleans native and Jesuit High School product could land with the hometown franchise, saying he was scheduled to have dinner at Walk-On’s with Saints personnel on Monday night.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis wouldn’t mind having the former Tiger on his team.
“[Jones is] a good player,” Loomis said. “He’s a smart player. Going to Jesuit and LSU, that’d be a nice story. We’d loved to have some LSU players on team, and certainly he’d be a nice candidate.”
A total of nine former Tigers showcased their skills on Monday.
Jalen Mills, four-year starter during LSU career, also ran faster at the pro day than at the NFL Combine.
The 6-foot, 191-pound safety ran a 4.48 in his first attempt, which was an improvement from 4.61 time at the combine.
“It felt good,” Mills said. “From my 40 to my drills, I think I showed guys — if not the best — I’m one of the best defensive backs in this draft. Really showing coaches that I’m in shape, I have ball skills and, even coming off my injury, that I’m still quick and I’m still fast.”
Pro day gives future NFL prospects a more relaxed environment. The players have trained and practiced in the facilities for their entire college career, making for a less nerve-wracking setting than working out in a NFL stadium in Indianapolis.
Players also don’t have NFL scouts interviewing them and asking them strange questions. The only LSU underclassmen to depart for the draft, offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins, was asked by a scout if he thought his mother was attractive.
“I was kind of thrown off by that one,” Hawkins said while laughing to a group of reporters. “She’s a beautiful lady, but that was a pretty off the wall question. It threw me off completely.”
Players that weren’t invited to the combine were also able to display their talents.
Former LSU linebacker Lamar Louis is hoping to make his way onto an NFL team and may switch positions. The Breaux Bridge, Louisiana native has worked out at safety and was even asked by the Seattle Seahawks to try out as a running back.
“I’m embracing anywhere teams want me to play,” Louis said. “I think I’m a versatile player. With me being in the position I’m in, I’m open to everything. I’ll probably be working at running back later on down the road.”
For the NFL hopefuls, the evaluation process is nearing a close, but some former Tigers still have work left to do. Over the course of the four weeks, players will continue to meet with teams and have private workouts.
Ryan Clark, a former LSU safety who, after going undrafted, played in the NFL for 13 years, had advice for the prospects that don’t get selected or end up where they may want.
“As a 20 or 21-year-old, you put a lot of pressure on yourself,” Clark said. “This is a step close to what these kids dreamed about. It’s about getting in. It’s not about where you get in. Obviously, they all want to get drafted, but it doesn’t happen like that for everyone. As long as you have an opportunity to play, relish in that opportunity and take advantage of it.”