BC NFL Pro Day Recap

WZBC Sports Radio

By: TJ Hartnett, Kevin Fritz, Casey Hague

There was some excitement for the future of several BC football players today who hope to realize their dreams of playing in the National Football League. Mehdi Abdesmad, DB Manny Asprilla, OL Dave Bowen, LB Steven Daniels, WR David Dudeck, WR Jack Bramswig, P Alex Howell, DL Even Kelly, DB Justin Simmons, DB Dominique Williams and DL Connor Wujciak all participated today. While all of these players put in their best effort and deserve some recognition, we will highlight our top 5 performances from today.

5. DB Manny Asprilla

Arizona Cardinals’ Phillip Sims (1) gets off a pass as he is hit by San Diego Chargers’ Manny Asprilla (38) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Chargers defeated the Cardinals 22-19. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

After going undrafted and signing with San Diego, the Everett, MA native is not letting his NFL aspirations go away. In his senior campaign in 2014, he was third on the defense with 70 tackles and second with 56 solo tackles. Asprilla shined on the defense and made a name for himself as one of the defensive leaders of the team. In his Pro Day appearance, Asprilla was fast and able to make quick cuts. While his hands were not 100% in quick pass drills, he certainly stands a chance on an NFL practice squad to participate in Training camp.

4. DL Connor Wujciak

Photo Credit: metrowestdailnews.com

A great senior season for Wujciak included All-ACC honors with 4.5 sacks. His quickness off the ball is an asset and his strength will prevent tackles from escaping his reach. He has the skills, but matching up against an NFL size lineman could be a stretch. He is likely to make an NFL training camp, but he has yet to show that next level ability necessary to remain on a 53 man roster.

3. DE Medhi Abdesmad

Photo Credit: bceagles.com

Medhi has been plagued with knee problems the past few seasons, but it did not seem to harm him today. He started off slow in his first shuttle drill with a flop, but he put that behind him fast. Abdesmad showcased his power and agility in his drills. He may face some questions based on his injury history, but otherwise look for him to be in the running for a spot on a 53 man roster.

2. LB Steven Daniels

Oct 3, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Jela Duncan (25) catches the ball as Boston College Eagles linebacker Steven Daniels (52) chases at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Listen to Steven Daniels’s Boston College NFL Pro Day Interview HERE

https://www.wzbcsports.com/audio/StevenDanielsProDay.mp3

A team leader and defensive star for the Eagles in the linebacker position, Steven Daniels entered this season being the number one NFL prospect with Simmons on this Boston College team. An unbelievable run defender, Daniels clearly positions himself as a short yardage stopper, delivering big hits and clogging up the middle. When asked about how he felt about his performance, Daniels responded “Everything went well. I felt great. It was more comfortable being here where I played surrounded by coaches and family”. Where the scouts see his downside is in Daniels’s pass coverage ability. The guy is as big as a brick house, but when it comes to speed and one on one matchups, Daniels may falter in comparison. Daniels had a light hearted attitude when his coverage skills were questioned. “[I] Did a bunch of linebacker drills, DB drills, and I see myself as a free safety in the NFL anyway” He clearly knows how to shine through the adversity, an attractive quality of any prospect. “We had a good team, we just came up short in a bunch of games. I think it helps us that we were able to go out there every week and be consistent and come out to play every time”. Look for Daniels’s name to be called late on the big screen.

1. DB Justin Simmons

Nov 21, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive back Justin Simmons (27) makes an interception during the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Listen to Simmons’s Boston College NFL Pro Day Interview HERE

https://www.wzbcsports.com/audio/JustinSimmonsProDay.mp3

The heart and soul of the Eagles team, Justin Simmons possesses almost every quality one would look for in a teammate. A lengthy and versatile defender, Simmons can play almost anywhere in the secondary. “Most teams are seeing me as a safety. Playing corner and nickel in the past, teams see my versatility” Simmons said after his Pro Day workout at Boston College. His strengths are in coverage, with one of his lone weaknesses being his lanky frame when matched up in the open field against larger offenders. But then again, remember games like Notre Dame, where Simmons led the Eagles the entire way, forcing turnovers left and right. He had the highest vertical jump among safeties at the NFL combine at 40 inches. The upside on Simmons is tremendous, and his attitude is even higher. “You take the blessings as they come and keep moving forward” Simmons reflected on his four years at BC and the upcoming NFL Draft. Expect to hear Simmons’s name on Sundays over the next few years. He is certain to be a fan favorite and an amazing addition to the legacy of Boston College in the NFL.

The post BC NFL Pro Day Recap appeared first on WZBC Sports.