The University of Tennessee held its Pro-day on Thursday in front of numerous NFL coaches and scouts. This year was a bit different due to Covid, which canceled out the combine in Indianapolis. So, Tennessee, with the help of the NFL, put together a combine like day for all the participants.
It was Trey Smith, Josh Palmer, Bryce Thompson and Brandon Kennedy who were in the spotlight today for NFL representatives. According to one NFL scout in the building, Trey Smith had himself a very nice day and should definitely not be waiting past day two of the NFL Draft to hear his name called.
Former Tennessee receiver Josh Palmer really stood out when it came to his hands, according to one scout. Palmer, who ran a 4.51 and 4.53 40-yard dash, according to scouts and Tennessee’s twitter account, should definitely be a player that also doesn’t get past the 2nd day. Palmer also had ran a 4.25 on the three-cone drill and finished with a 10.4 on the broad jump. There’s no denying the physical ability of Palmer, who has made some incredible catches over the past four years in Knoxville.
Former Tennessee OL Trey Smith was a big focus for teams at the Pro-day, as I am told that along with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, the Raiders, Patriots and Bengals all had their OL coaches in town. When it comes to strength, Smith said on Wednesday that he was shooting for 30 bench press reps, but on Thursday, he finished with 32. One thing that a scout mentioned to me was how much better Trey looks from the physical standpoint, adding that NFL scouts and coaches could tell he’s hit the weight room hard during preparation. He looks bigger from the muscular standpoint. Smith came in at 321 pounds, running a 5.14 and 5.11 40-yard dash. He also ran a 7.43 in the 3-cone drill.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel was very “hands on” with both Trey Smith and Brandon Kennedy today, working them through multiple drills.
Today was a good day for Palmer and Smith, as we still wait on the numbers for Bryce Thompson and Brandon Kennedy. All four of these former Vols should be on an NFL team after the draft.
