On the latest day that was set to be a highlight experience for Bison athletes but is victim to the pandemic, a small measure of enjoyment will be snatched from the invisible grip. This latest class of supremely successful Football players was always going to be a long-shot to reach the best league in the world but without the pro-day, that chance gets even smaller. Each and every one of the nine players who were anticipated to take part in the event has tape that could be used as a reason to bring them in to a rookie camp. Except there has to be such a thing for the opportunity to arise and that remains at best unlikely. The odds are stacked against each of them but there's enough doom & gloom going on these days, I want to find some positive outcome possibilities for the latest class of grads!
With all the holes that the nearby pro-team has to fill, I could have penciled in every guy for a Purple jersey. Even if the GM didn't seem to have a firm opposition to Bison player that wouldn't happen though and I do want there to be a semblance of reality in this fantasy game.
Defense first and the guy who intercepted the win in Frisco gets the lead-off
None of the players may be more able to overcome the current hurdles than James Hendricks. Why you may ask? Because for all the physical capability that it takes to do the job, if a person is dumb then they won't maximize their potential. Coming in as a quarterback and still having to know that role while learning the safety position could not be done by someone who isn't smart. So if the teams have or do interview him through our modern technology that would give him a leg-up on guys whose main feature is their physical ability, not their ability to think fast AND manage to complete the tasks. While I do think they'll draft a Safety, the home-state story is too good to pass up.
Prognostication: Minnesota
From the back-end of the D to the front we go, Derrek Tuszka is obviously the most likely to get his name called before the draft wraps. I'd say he's the only one who will be but since Ellefson & Zach Johnson both took part in exhibitions they may have their names called as well. There are plenty of teams that need more from their edge's but only a couple where it's a top need. For the sake of success, it's down to one option.
Prognostication: Seattle
Whether Marquise Bridges will get the chance to be the latest NFL corner from NDSU is hard to say. He may be asked to try out at Safety by any of the teams that come calling but at least half the teams have a need at one or the other and several could use both so flexibility would be in his favor. Considering a litany of other needs, on top of needing both DB spots improved, the choice was obvious.
Prognostication: Jacksonville
It's a similar thought process with Cole Karcz. Like the other super-long shots, if he really wants it he may have to go the route of the XFL or CFL right away. Since I'm only predicting potential landing spots within the 32, that doesn't fit the bill.
Prognostication: Houston
Onto the offense!
In the mold of one of North Dakota's best Football players ever, Ben Ellefson will earn his chance if he can perform like Jim Kleinsasser did back in the day. Those are some big shoes to fill but in the right situation, the Hawley native may be able to take some steps in them. Working against him is that none of the teams have a glaring need for tight-ends but there is one that has been well-publicized where Ellefson could be cultivated in their new era.
Prognostication: New England
The non-happening may be the most detrimental to Ty Brooks since he can't show his greatest asset - the jets - in the 40-yard dash. Four years of film should make up for that but as was astutely stated, it's hard to evaluate from film because of the unknown of the level of competition. Since he's also at the most replaceable position in the game he would have to distinguish himself on special teams to get a real chance. We all know he has the skills but only time will tell whether that's enough.
Prognostication: Kansas City
For the lone ram in this year's group, it would be as much about finding the right scheme fit as anything. Zach Johnson has the size every team is looking for in their offensive lineman but like Brooks, he is missing out on the chance to show what he can do in the drills. But the work he did in Pasadena would offset that somewhat so again, ending up in the right system will be crucial. Could say that about all of these guys but I think it's especially true since he's already an NFL-caliber player.
Prognostication: Baltimore
Dimitri Williams started the 2019 Football season as an interesting case since he was switching from receiver to running back. He flourished in the role last year and that diversity of experience could work in his favor as he looks to make the jump. He's still most likely to end up north of the border but a team with a lot of need may like what he does enough to put him on the practice squad.
Prognostication: Buffalo
That's the 2020 crew. The professional offseason will be as unusual as it could be which is another hurdle they will have to jump but surprises are always possible!
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