Alabama, Ohio State pro days draw decision-makers by the dozen
Decision-makers flocked to Columbus for Ohio State's annual pro day on Wednesday with more than a dozen general managers and head coaches confirmed in attendance to see the Buckeyes strut their stuff.
A flex for the pro pipeline developed by head coach Ryan Day and his well-paid coaching staff, the Buckeyes are on target to approach their record of 14 players drafted in 2025 and have at least four players projected to be selected in the first round next month.
New York was extremely well-represented with head coach and general manager combinations for the Jets and Giants front and center. The Jets own the second overall pick and general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn were in attendance, as were Giants head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen. The Giants have the No. 5 pick.
Harbaugh had significant face time with linebacker Sonny Styles and caught up with Arvell Reese, a versatile linebacker who participated in defensive line drills on Wednesday. The Giants also visited with safety Caleb Downs and could have interest in wide receiver Carnell Tate.
The Jets are expected to select a quarterback at some point in the draft and sent members of the staff to Tuscaloosa for quarterback Ty Simpson's pro day at Alabama. Simpson said he has a private workout with the Jets scheduled for Friday. They also hold the 16th overall pick.
The Cleveland Browns did not attend the campus pro day but already have hosted Simpson for a top-30 visit, as have the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals.
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor drew a huge crowd for his short shuttle and completed workouts with offensive linemen and tight ends. The projected top-20 pick can squat over 800 pounds with a max bench press of 535 all with a wing span of 81 5/8 inches. He measured 6-6 5/8, 352 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine but moved with ease and explosiveness at Wednesday's pro day.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles was the only confirmed GM at Alabama's pro day.
Simpson is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the draft behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers hold their pro day on April 1. He threw to wide receivers Rico Scott, Ryan Coleman-Williams, Germie Bernard and Noah Rogers. Coleman-Williams dropped a deep ball with a late adjustment in an otherwise pristine -- and well-rehearsed -- session. Bernard is ranked as a top 10 wide receiver in the deep 2026 class and could be selected in the top 50 overall.
A one-year starter who replaced Jalen Milroe as Alabama's QB1 in 2025, Simpson gave up his final year of eligibility to enter the draft.
"I'm tough, I'm resilient, I love football and I want to make people better," Simpson said of what he's telling teams who ask why they should draft him. "When I come into your program, I'm a program-changer. I don't just make myself better, I make other people better."