Pro day report: Miami
Other pro day reports: Florida/Oklahoma | Williams | Smith | Rodgers
Antrel Rolle solidified his spot in the middle of the NFL draft's first round, but he still might not crack the top 10 selections after Miami's pro day on Thursday.
The former Hurricanes cornerback looked sharp while working out before about 60 onlookers, including scouts and front office personnel from every team in the league, at Miami's practice facility. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold the No. 21 pick in the first round and have a need at cornerback, were represented by coach Jack Del Rio. Also on hand were Detroit Lions president Matt Millen and Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Bruce Allen.
Rolle entered the workout embroiled with West Virginia cornerback Adam Jones for the right to be considered the draft's No. 1 cornerback. While he likely didn't surpass Jones, Rolle dispelled some of those who questioned his speed by running solid 40-yard dashes clocked between 4.45 and 4.5 seconds.
Combined with his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame and vertical jump of 37 inches, Rolle presented a package of strength, speed and skills that many were apparently impressed with. He also had quick times in the shuttle and cone drills.
Among the other probable Miami draft picks, running back Frank Gore was a disappointment, running his 40-yard dashes in the mid-4.6 range despite checking in at about 5-10 and 208 pounds. With two knee surgeries during his college career, Gore's 40 times and his lack of size will likely make him a second-day pick, possibly in the fourth round, at the April 23-24 draft in New York.
Conversely, wide receiver Roscoe Parrish built on his strong performance at last week's scouting combine with another good day. After running the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds in Indianapolis, Parish repeated the effort, clocking two times in the mid 4.4s. Standing about 5-10 and 170 pounds, Parrish most likely solidified himself as a first-day pick, possibly even as high as the second round.
