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The Cincinnati Bengals' scouting department has been making the rounds to various pre-draft Pro Days, and one of their most recent treks was out west. The tapped the Pac-12 as they were in attendance for the University of Arizona's Pro Day this week.
Reps from #Titans #Eagles Cardinals and #Bengals onhand to check out Arizona LB prospect Scooby Wright @TwoStarScoob at Pro Day
— Football Drafting (@FootballDraftin) March 24, 2016
Scooby Wright was the highest-profile player at the Wildcats' event, and greatly improved on many drills from the NFL Combine. He upped his vertical jump from 31 to 35 inches, while also shaving a tenth of a second off of his 40-yard dash time (from 4.9 to 4.8 seconds). Wright told reporters his increased performance was a more relaxed feeling around this workout than in Indianapolis.
Most have Wright as a mid-round prospect, who may have done himself a disservice by entering the draft after a junior year where he played just three games because of a torn meniscus. He had a monster sophomore campaign in 2014 though, racking up 164 tackles, including a whopping 31 for loss, 15 sacks and five forced fumbles. His pro comparisons have ranged from Chris Borland to Zach Thomas.
Other prospects include offensive lineman Lene Maiava, who did 34 repetitions on the bench press, while reports had defensive back Will Parks looking fluid in drills. Projections have him as either a safety or slot coverage man in NFL defenses. In a funny twist of fate, wide receiver Cayleb Jones (6'3", 209 pounds) caught passes from his uncle and former Bengals quarterback, Jeff Blake, while also running a 4.65 40-yard dash.
The Bengals also had simultaneous representation across the country at the North Carolina Central University's Pro Day, in Durham.
Lots of scouts at N.C. Central pro day Wednesday for DB Ryan Smith, but only three teams had assistant coaches there: Bengals, Jets, Lions.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 24, 2016
Cornerback Ryan Smith was the focal point of all prospects, who has been projected as a late round or undrafted free agent prospect. At 5'11" and 190 pounds, Smith is a guy who pundits believe can run vertically with the best of receivers, and is able to help in run support and even adds kickoff return ability. Smith helped himself at the Combine with a good showing in a number of drills, including a 4.47 40-yard dash time.