At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, seven former Spartans were able to showcase their talents in a variety of drills and exercises. These young men were there for the NFL Combine, one of the biggest job auditions of their lives.
All seven were graduating seniors except for Conklin, who forgoed his senior season in order to be draft eligible.
The winningest senior class in MSU history, headlined with guys like quarterback Connor Cook and defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun will have another opportunity to impress scouts, this time at MSU's Pro Day March 16.
Along with the seven Spartans invited to the NFL combine, other graduating seniors hoping to make a lasting impression on NFL scouts for the draft, including linebacker Darien Harris, offensive lineman Donovan Clark, and cornerback Arjen Colquhoun.
MSU's Pro Day gives a chance for those athletes not invited to showcase their skills in a more comfortable setting in East Lansing. As for the seven Spartans who already had a chance, they turned in solid results across the board.
Connor Cook
40-yard dash: 4.79 seconds
Vertical jump: 33 inches
Broad jump: 113 inches
Three-cone drill: 7.21 seconds
Cook had solid overall results when compared to his fellow competitors at his position. He was sixth in the 40-yard dash and fourth in the vertical jump among quarterbacks.
One of the best quarterbacks in MSU's history looks to continue adding to his draft stock. While Cook has competition at his position, he's one of the few in the draft who has big game experience and is a proven winner.
Jack Conklin
40-yard dash: 5 seconds
225-pound bench press: 25 reps
Broad jump: 103 inches
Three-cone drill: 7.63 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.57 seconds
Right out of the gate, Conklin immediately impressed scouts and fans alike with the fourth fastest 40-yard dash among offensive linemen. For the rest of the combine he posted solid results, further backing his claim that he's ready to play on Sunday afternoons.
Conklin is one of the most intriguing prospects in the NFL Draft this year. The former walk-on is one of the best offensive linemen in this year's draft. Multiple mock drafts have him going in the first round. Looking back, it's surprising to see how so many coaches missed out on him without giving any major offers.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Jack Allen
40-yard dash: 5.29 seconds
225-pound bench press: 23 reps
Broad jump: 101 inches
Three-cone drill: 7.90 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.73 seconds
One thing that Allen showed during the season was his versatility, moving over to left guard multiple times throughout his career. Being able to play anywhere on the line in an emergency situation gives him another edge scouts look for.
For the actual combine, Allen posted solid stats across the board, and though his performance failed to make scouts jump from their seats, his tenacity and work ethic is one part scouts like. It's hard to be successful being so small, but Allen fits the bill.
Aaron Burbridge
40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds
225-pound bench press: 20 reps
Vertical jump: 30.5 inches
Broad jump: 115 inches
Three-cone drill: 7.22 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.31 seconds
60-yard shuttle: 11.90 seconds
Being Cook's favorite target certainly had its perks for Burbridge, as he turned in a stellar senior season. He shot up multiple mock drafts and finally capitalized on the talent many believed he had.
With his exceptional skill, he should be catching more passes on Sundays.
Shilique Calhoun
40-yard dash: 4.82 seconds
225-pound bench press: 23 reps
Vertical jump: 35 inches
Broad jump: 115 inches
Three-cone drill: 6.97 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.25 seconds
Overall, Calhoun went without any major blips in the radar during the combine. The explosiveness he demonstrated in college was on full display in front of numerous scouts.
He will have to rely on that if he wants to be successful in the NFL. Playing mostly defensive end in college, he needs to get around that edge quickly to disrupt opposing offenses. There's also been some talk of Calhoun playing some linebacker at the next level.
Lawrence Thomas
40-yard dash: 4.98 seconds
Vertical jump: 35 inches
Broad jump: 113 inches
During the combine, Thomas only participated in three recorded drills, but has been getting his name out for scouts to remember. He was also one of three Spartans to participate in the Senior Bowl.
Thomas is expected to be a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent.
Joel Heath
40-yard dash: 5.02 seconds
225-pound bench press: 26 reps
Vertical jump: 33 inches
Broad jump: 113 inches
3-cone drill: 7.44 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.52 seconds
Much like his teammate Thomas, Heath is projected to be a late-round pick or potentially picked up as an undrafted free agent.
