LOGAN — Several former Utah State players caused a stir in NFL scouting circles after the team’s Pro Day on March 22, which saw nine former Aggies run through drills and measurements in front of pro scouts.
The nine former USU footballers 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 improve some of the players’ prospects.
Aaron Wilson, who covers the NFL and Houston Texans for KPRC 2 Houston, said league sources considered Bonner a “day three draft target,” meaning somewhere in rounds 5-7 in the April 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, showing arm talent and athleticism. met with #colts #Packer #49er #bosses #Robber Considered a Day 3 draft target, per league source: 4.70 40-yard dash, 7.21 3-cone, 32-inch vertical, 9-8 long jump, 6-3, 223, 9 5/ 8 hands
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 22, 2023
State of Utah @USUFootball Quarterback Logan Bonner delivers a crisp shot at Pro Day https://t.co/47jcusctw9 pic.twitter.com/bo2GrYvalp
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 23, 2023
Several reporters (although they’re probably getting the information from the same source) said McGriff had a good outing on Pro Day. A report specifically states that “Scouts were impressed with[McGriff’s]soft hands, ability to toggle breaks on and off, and his ‘flowability.'” Phifer also said that he believes McGriff could play tight end, if he gains extra weight.
#NFL Scouts at the Utah St. Pro Day had good feedback on WR Justin McGriff. At 6’5′ and 217 pounds, scouts were impressed with his soft hands, ability to toggle pauses on and off, and “flowability”. I’m told 10 teams were in attendance at Utah State’s Pro Day . He has… pic.twitter.com/1gEGBqdYgU
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) March 23, 2023
State of Utah @USUFootball Wide receiver Justin McGriff ran in a 4.5-4.6 range at nearly 6ft 5, 216lbs and impressed scouts with fluid routes, clean hands and the ability to get in and out of his breaks @chrisoverton_
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 25, 2023
The excitement around Utah State’s other prospects, namely Alfred Edwards, Calvin Tyler Jr. and Hunter Reynolds, was nowhere in sight, although Edwards and Tyler received Mountain West All-Conference honors and Reynolds was named a PFF All-American. Edwards has a clear potential future in professional football as he was drafted sixth overall in the 2023 USFL Draft from the Philadelphia Stars. The USFL season starts before the NFL draft, so Edwards will have a chance to play for the Stars, although it’s hard to say if that could help his NFL stock in the short term.
