USC To NFL: Trojan Pro Day 2014 Preview

Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Marqise Lee participates in a pass catching drill during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

After a relatively lackluster NFL combine showing, aspiring pros among the Trojan ranks like Marqise Lee, Devon Kennard and Dion Bailey will have the opportunity to improve their draft stock during the USC Pro Day, which begins at 10:30 am Wednesday.

USC’s Pro Day will measure about 20 players in the gym at the bench press, vertical jump, and long jump. Out on the field of Loker Track Stadium players will also be timed in the 10-, 20-, and 40-yard dash as well as the pro agility drill and 3-cone drill. Some will complete the 60-yard shuttle and other position drills as well, according to the USC RipsIt Blog.

As the Trojans’ top-rated prospect, Lee will need to improve on the subpar 40-time he posted at the Combine. Though he is projected to go in the first round, his stock has slipped due to disappointing measurables and concerns about his junior year production.

Marcus Martin participated in just one activity at the combine, and his 23 reps on the bench press won’t have raised any eyebrows. Already projected as a potential second rounder and the number one center available, Martin could propel himself even higher than expected when he first declared.

Fourth round projection Dion Bailey may not be able to improve his draft stock much considering the importance of instinct in his play, but George Uko, whose production was too limited in college to complete his case for being drafted, will need to convince scouts that his physical potential is worth the pick.

Meanwhile, players like Xavier Grimble and Silas Redd, who have been slowed by injuries sustained in 2013, will hope to show a bit more than they were able to physically in Indianapolis.

For Morgan Breslin, USC’s biggest combine snub, the aim is to prove that he deserved an invite in the first place. Fellow linebacker Devon Kennard needs to continue posting solid numbers, though his fifth round projection is unlikely to change much.

Players with the most to gain from the Pro Day include those who are on the outside looking in when it comes to draft evaluations. Kevin Graf,  John Martinez, Demetrius Wright, Torin Harris, Kevin Greene and De’Von Flournoy will each get their shot to make an impression on scouts as they look to sneak into free agency.

Unfortunately, USC’s Pro Day is closed to the public and will not be televised or live streamed, but the USC RipsIt Blog will have periodic updates.