Plenty of Buffaloes shine during Colorado’s pro day

On Wednesday, I traveled to Boulder for the University of Colorado pro day. It’s always good to get up to Boulder to enjoy the sights and the top-notch facilities that the team has on campus.

The entire league was in attendance to watch the best Buffaloes available for the draft as they performed in front of the scouting community. Well, almost all of the best from CU were participating.

Star wide receiver Laviska Shenault was not working out due to core surgery he had that will keep him out of action during the pre-draft process. Scouts still showed up and were given a show by players who could be making plays in the NFL in the near future.

Here are my thoughts from CU’s pro day.

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Not So Fast

The word after the Scouting Combine was that Shenault was going to fall out of the first round due to injury concerns. Shenault tried to run the 40-yard dash at the Combine even though he was dealing with a groin injury. He finished the 40, but timed slow at 4.58 seconds and seemed to injure himself during the run. After the Combine, it was revealed that Shenault was going to have core surgery and would be out six to eight weeks recovering.

Shenault was there to support his teammates on Wednesday and I found out from some in the scouting community that the first-round buzz was still alive with the talented receiver. From people I trust who work for NFL teams, Shenault’s tape is enough to get him drafted in the first round. Perhaps not as high as he would’ve been had he been 100 percent healthy, but there might be teams willing to trade back into the first round to get Shenault as a value.

Arizona Cardinals scouts are spending A LOT of time one on one w/ Laviska Shenault at the end of Colorado Pro Timing Day 👀

— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 11, 2020

Plenty of teams are going to be interested in Shenault. I know he can play at a high level in the NFL and I’m hoping that he can get healthy, stay healthy and play up to his enormous potential. The first round is jam-packed with wide receiver talent and we’ll see if Shenault can still work his way in there despite the injury bug he’s been battling.

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Versatile and Capable

The best player on Wednesday was outside linebacker/safety Davion Taylor. He wowed scouts, media and fans in attendance with his performance. Taylor ran a 4.49 second 40-yard dash at the Combine last month, but on Wednesday, he carved that time down to a lightning fast 4.39 seconds. I hand timed him at 4.38 seconds, but either way, you know that is incredibly fast – especially for a 225-pound linebacker. Taylor was flying down the field on his 40-yard dash but that wasn’t the only thing he did to impress.

During “stack and shed” drills, Taylor did a good job of showing upper body strength and burst. He was throwing the blocking sled out of the way and bursting to the simulated ball-carrier. Taylor is ferocious on tape and he carried that ferocity over to drills.

After his pro day, Taylor was humble when talking to the media and all smiles when talking about his performance. He also revealed that NFL teams he’s talked to say that he should play a “Will” linebacker position at the pro level. Taylor is listed as an outside linebacker/safety, but we could see him shine on the inside at linebacker or hybrid safety. The trend in the NFL is going towards “position-less” players who can line up all over the field. Taylor is one of the most versatile and most capable players in this draft class.

#CUBuffs Davion Taylor thrilled with his 4.39 40. Admitted he was more relaxed today in place where he’s practiced for years. #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/y2zuPVMuF4

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) March 11, 2020

Taylor is going to go higher in the draft than some think. Before the Combine, there was buzz that he could be a day-three pick as a developmental player. He still is going to need development as a pro, but that upside is so great that we could see Taylor get into the third round – maybe even higher – in the 2020 NFL draft.

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Plenty of Interest

CU quarterback Steven Montez has showed well during the pre-draft process. He was at the Senior Bowl earlier this year and was the third-best quarterback at that game behind Justin Herbert and Jordan Love. Montez looked better than Jalen Hurts, but he’s likely to go behind him in the draft. Montez continued that strong showing at the Combine and certainly has the attention of the scouting community.

His mechanics are almost perfect as a passer. Montez did a good job of showcasing those talents during the pre-draft process and on Wednesday, it was no different. He spun the ball tightly on deep throws and showed proper footwork when dropping back then stepping into his throws. Teams are going to see Montez as a third-string, developmental quarterback with upside.

Steven Montez showing well as a passer at CU pro day. @1043TheFan #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/esp51D3I9e

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) March 11, 2020

Montez could have a better pro career than he did as a collegian. He was inconsistent in college and that’s something he’ll need to work on at the pro level. Montez has all the tools – he always has – and now he’ll get his chance to prove that he can develop into a starter in the pros.

Follow @CecilLammey