Towson Pro Day a Showcase for Edge Rusher Ryan Delaire
Turron Davenport, FBGP Analyst
There were quite a few NFL teams represented when Towson University held their pro day at Johnny Unitas Stadium. The main attraction was edge rusher Ryan Delaire. Cornerback Tye Smith also drew interest from the scouts in attendance. Most of the 19 teams that were at Towson utilize 3-4 defensive schemes. They were there to watch Delaire, a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was at the workout as well. He and Delaire spoke afterwards. “He’s an asset. You can always use a pass rusher…can never have enough of them. Ryan is a hard working guy and he would be a good fit for us.”
Delaire chose not to do the bench press but did take part in the other tests and field drills. Here are his test results:
4.67, 4.82 40 yd dash (1.66 and 1.65 10 yd split)
4.46 20 yd shuttle
7.01 3 cone
9-7 broad jump
34 inch vertical
Those results are all despite the fact that Delaire has been recovering from a hamstring injury but he still toughed it out and gave the scouts a glimpse of what he can do. The Philadelphia Eagles put Delaire through a series of linebacker drills so that they could see how comfortable he is dropping back into coverage. Delaire dropped a few throws but recovered caught the ball well in his last series of reps. He looked at ease as he worked on his drops for the scouts.
Ryan Delaire pic.twitter.com/6mFJiazcGq
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) April 1, 2015
Delaire also showed outstanding footwork as he went through bag drills. His violent hands were also on display when the scouts put him through pass rushing drills. He hit the bags with authority while he went through edge rushing drills.
Overall the workout went well. Delaire spoke with us afterwards. “I feel really confident. I knew that I put in the work that I needed in order to do what I did today. I was really comfortable and felt smooth because I had practice my drops in the weeks leading up to today.”
Tye Smith is a corner that has drawn some interest because of his long frame. He posted a 4.65 time and worked out on the field for the scouts. Smith measured in at 6-1 184 pounds. That is nine pounds less than his weigh in at the combine. “I felt good and I am now at a weight that I feel good at. I feel that I ran way faster than I did at the combine.” He and I joked about how he didn’t have his chain in his mouth like he did at the combine when he drew the ire of Deion Sanders.
Coach Harbaugh spoke about what he saw from Tye Smith. “Good change of direction, good hips. He’s a long lanky guy. He has good hands good hips, all of the things that you want to see in a corner.” Next up for the two Towson standouts will be private workouts before the draft starts on April 30th.
Questions? Comments?
Tweet: @TDavenport_NFL
Email: turron@footballgameplan.com