LOGAN — Several former Utah State players generated some buzz in NFL scouting circles following the team’s Pro Day on March 22 that saw nine former Aggies run through drills and measurements in front of pro scouts.
The nine former USU football players consisted of Alfred Edwards (OL), Brian Cobbs (WR), Calvin Tyler Jr. (RB), Chandler Dolphin (OL), Connor Coles (K), Gurvan Hall Jr. (DB), Hunter Reynolds (DB), Justin McGriff (WR) and Logan Bonner (QB). All of these players appear to be long shots to be drafted, but last Wednesday’s pro day seems to have helped build the prospects of some of the players.
Aaron Wilson, who covers the NFL and Houston Texans for KPRC 2 Houston, said league sources viewed Bonner as a “day three draft target” meaning somewhere in rounds 5-7 in April’s draft. Wilson and others have reported that Bonner has met with several NFL teams including the Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.
Utah State quarterback Logan Bonner excelled at Pro Day, displaying arm talent, athleticism. Met with #Colts #Packers #49ers #Chiefs #Raiders Viewed as Day 3 draft target, per league sources: 4.70 40-yard dash, 7.21 3-cone, 32-inch vertical, 9-8 broad jump, 6-3, 223, 9 5/8 hands
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 22, 2023
Utah State @USUFootball quarterback Logan Bonner delivers crisp throw at Pro Day https://t.co/47jcusctw9 pic.twitter.com/bo2GrYvalp
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 23, 2023
Multiple reporters (though likely getting the information from the same source) said McGriff had a good outing on the Pro Day. One report said specifically that “scouts were impressed with (McGriff’s) soft hands, ability to cut in and out of breaks, and his ‘fluidity.’” Phifer also said he believes McGriff could play tight end if he put on extra weight.
#NFL Scouts at Utah St. Pro Day had some good feedback on WR Justin McGriff. Standing at 6”5’ and 217 pounds, scouts were impressed with his soft hands, ability to cut in and out of breaks, and his “fluidity.” I am told that 10 teams were present at Utah State’s Pro Day. He has… pic.twitter.com/1gEGBqdYgU
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) March 23, 2023
Utah State @USUFootball wide receiver Justin McGriff ran in 4.5 to 4.6 range at nearly 6-foot-5, 216 pounds, impressing scouts with fluid routes, sot hands and ability to get in and out of his breaks @chrisoverton_
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 25, 2023
Buzz around Utah State’s other prospects, namely Alfred Edwards, Calvin Tyler Jr. and Hunter Reynolds hasn’t been forthcoming even though Edwards and Tyler earned Mountain West all-conference honors and Reynolds was named a PFF All-American. Edwards does have a clear potential future in professional football seeing as he was drafted sixth overall in the 2023 USFL Draft by the Philadelphia Stars. The USFL season begins prior to the NFL draft so Edwards will have a chance to play for the Stars, though whether that could help his NFL stock in the short term is hard to say.