NFL executives and coaching staffs descended upon Columbus Wednesday as Ohio State hosted its annual pro day, with more than a dozen general managers and head coaches present to evaluate Buckeye talent.
The impressive turnout highlights the recruiting pipeline that head coach Ryan Day and his coaching staff have built. The Buckeyes are positioned to potentially match their record of 14 players selected in the 2025 draft, with a minimum of four prospects expected to hear their names called in the opening round.
New York teams made a strong showing, with both the Jets and Giants sending their top decision-makers. Jets general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn attended, as the team holds the second overall selection. Giants head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen were also present, with their team picking fifth.
Harbaugh spent considerable time speaking with linebacker Sonny Styles and reconnected with Arvell Reese, a multi-position linebacker who worked out with defensive linemen during the session. The Giants also met with safety Caleb Downs and may have eyes on wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Looking for quarterback help, the Jets dispatched staff members to Alabama’s pro day in Tuscaloosa to evaluate Ty Simpson. The quarterback revealed he has a private session scheduled with New York on Friday. The Jets also possess the 16th overall selection.
While Cleveland didn’t send representatives to Alabama’s campus workout, they’ve already brought Simpson in for a top-30 visit, joining Pittsburgh and Arizona in hosting the quarterback.
At Alabama, offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor commanded attention during his short shuttle run and positional drills with linemen and tight ends. The anticipated top-20 pick brings impressive measurables – squatting over 800 pounds with a maximum bench press of 535 pounds and an 81 5/8-inch wingspan. Standing 6-foot-6 5/8 and weighing 352 pounds from the NFL Combine, Proctor displayed remarkable mobility and power during Wednesday’s showcase.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles was the sole confirmed GM present at Alabama’s workout.
Simpson enters the draft ranked as the second-best quarterback prospect behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, whose team conducts their pro day April 1. He threw passes to receivers Rico Scott, Ryan Coleman-Williams, Germie Bernard and Noah Rogers. Coleman-Williams had one drop on a deep route requiring a late adjustment in what was otherwise a polished and well-prepared performance. Bernard ranks among the top 10 receivers in the loaded 2026 class and could be chosen within the first 50 selections overall.
After one season as Alabama’s starting quarterback, replacing Jalen Milroe in 2025, Simpson chose to forgo his remaining eligibility for the professional ranks.
“I’m tough, I’m resilient, I love football and I want to make people better,” Simpson explained when asked what message he’s delivering to interested teams. “When I come into your program, I’m a program-changer. I don’t just make myself better, I make other people better.”
