Gross Out

Jordan Gross announced his retirement from the NFL today.  He goes out on top - of the NFC South. Gross also went to his third Pro Bowl as an alternate. After finishing his current contract, the 33-year-old Gross decided it was the right time to hang it up. A starter ever since his was drafted eighth overall in 2003, he finishes his career with 167 starts, a franchise record.

Gross concludes his pro career at the same time that five Utes attempted to begin theirs at the NFL Combine. Trevor Reilly figures to be the first Utah player taken in the draft this May, but, having undergone a post-season knee surgery, wasn't able to run at the Combine. He did 26 reps on the bench press, which was sixth among linebackers (and five more than Jadeveon Clowney, by comparison). Tenny Palepoi's 31 reps placed him 15th among all participants. Anthony Denham went to the combine as a tight end, a position change for the receiver (like John Madsen). Jake Murphy was second among the tight ends in the 20-yard shuttle, with a time of 4.27 seconds. Murphy did the 3-cone drill in 7.18 seconds, the fourth-best time at his position. He also did more reps on the bench (24) than Clowney (21). His broken wrist must have healed up nicely!

The player who has impressed the most has been corner Keith McGill. He was second in the broad jump (10' 9") and tied for third in the vertical jump (39"). McGill ran the 40 in 4.51 seconds. His biggest measurements are simply his physique: 6' 3", 211 lbs., with 33 and 1/4 inch arms. Following the success of Seattle's defensive backs in winning the Super Bowl, McGill's draft stock has risen. He helped it in the Senior Bowl, where he had an interception. None of these players will be picked #8 like Jordan Gross, but they should aspire to make a team and play 11 years like he has.

Star Chart

Star Lotulelei topped the charts with 38 reps on the bench press at Utah's Pro Day yesterday; that would have tied him with Margus Hunt of SMU and Brandon Williams of Missouri Southern State for the most by a defensive lineman at the Combine. Star wasn't able to participate in any drills at the Combine due to an irregularity in tests on his heart. He was medically cleared to workout at Pro Day, and the big man put on a show! He displayed a 30 inch vertical and posted times of 7.66 and 4.65 seconds in the three cone drill and the shuttle. His 40 times were 5.31 and 5.36 seconds. According to Gil Brandt, Star had been advised not to run the 40 but he wanted to join his teammates. His times weren't all that impressive, but he dominated in position drills.

Reggie Dunn may turn some heads with his 40 times of 4.25 and 4.26 seconds; his speed coupled with his kick return abilities should get Dunn some offers to training camp if he isn't drafted.

 Joe Kruger also worked out in position drills, while standing on his numbers produced at the Combine.

Pro Day featured 21 Utes and 12 players from other schools in the area.

Star's Heart

Star Lotulelei was excused from the NFL Combine for further testing on his heart. Initial tests showed his heart is pumping below average, so he returned to the Salt Lake area to meet with a specialist. Lotulelei has been projected as a top 5 or top 10 pick in this year's NFL Draft; missing the combine won't affect his draft status, but health concerns might. Better to have it detected and treated while slipping in the draft than to become another Len Bias, however. We are hopeful that his career follows the path of Utah State's Bobby Wagner, who missed last year's Combine due to being hospitalized with pneumonia. He was drafted by a contender, started the whole season, and nearly won Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Joe Kruger was the only Ute to participate in the Combine this year. While he did not stand out in any of the drills, he rated a grade of 73.0 and is expected to be drafted in the first 100 picks.

NFL Combine 2011

Five ProUte hopefuls took part in drills at this year's NFL Combine: Matt Asiata (RB3), Brandon Burton (DB9), Caleb Schlauderaff (OL43), Sealver Siliga (DL47), and Zane Taylor (OL48). Of the five Taylor had the most notable performance, as his 33 reps on the bench press tied for 7th best. Burton did not distinguish himself in the individual drills, but he is listed in tier 8 of Gil Brandt's Hot 100 and will be the first Utah player drafted, possibly in the second round. Here is the breakdown of each player's prospects in the NFL:

Matt Asiata - potential back up/short yardage/goal line back; could go in the 7th round.
ProUte comparison: Quinton Ganther, Titans 7th round pick (246th)

Brandon Burton - "could become a great starting corner for a team with a press-heavy scheme."
ProUte comparison: Sean Smith, Dolphins 2nd round pick (61st)

Caleb Schlauderaff - may be picked on day three, may be a free agent signing.
ProUte comparison: Barry Sims, Raiders (free agent)

Sealver Siliga - "a future reserve in a 4-man front."
ProUte comparison: Kelly Talavou, Ravens (free agent)

Zane Taylor - a late round pick.
ProUte comparison: Zane Beadles is the obvious choice, although unfair to Taylor, who won't go in the second round and start as a rookie. Chris Kemoeatu, a 6th round pick (204th) by the Steelers who eventually became a starter is closer.

The University of Utah will hold its Pro Day workouts on March 29th, one month prior to the draft.