Pac-12 Football Stars Shine at NFL Scouting Combine
The Pac-12 conference is basking in the glory of one of its finest football seasons in history, and now its talented players are ready to make their mark at the NFL scouting combine. With an impressive 52 players scheduled to participate, the Pac-12 is sending a strong contingent to Indianapolis, trailing only the SEC and Big Ten in player representation. This is a significant increase from last year when the Pac-12 had just 31 players invited.
Washington leads the conference with 13 participants, second only to Michigan’s total of 18. However, it’s not just the quantity that makes the Pac-12 stand out. The conference boasts six players who are projected as likely first-round picks, including USC quarterback Caleb Williams, who is considered the consensus No. 1 overall selection. This diverse group of potential first-rounders represents six different teams, with Oregon State and Arizona joining the traditional powerhouses of USC and Oregon.
One player generating a lot of buzz is Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Despite his impressive performance over the past two seasons, Penix’s injury history raises concerns among scouts. While he possesses a strong arm, his surgically repaired knee is a cause for worry. This week, doctors from all 32 teams will evaluate Penix’s medical records and scans to assess the stability of his knee. The outcome of these evaluations could potentially impact his draft stock and determine whether he can join the ranks of first-round selections alongside Williams and Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.
The Pac-12 is also showcasing its exceptional wide receiver talent at the combine. Washington’s Rome Odunze and Oregon’s Troy Franklin are both highly regarded prospects. Odunze is considered a lock for the first round, but the question remains: how high will he be selected? Franklin, on the other hand, is often projected as a second-round pick but has the potential to make a strong case for a first-round selection with his explosive playmaking ability. The 40-yard dash will be a crucial test for both receivers, as they aim to break the 4.4-second barrier.
While the Pac-12 may lack elite interior defensive linemen compared to the Big Ten and SEC, it compensates with an abundance of quality edge rushers. UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, who was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, is a likely first-round pick and has garnered significant attention throughout the season. Other edge prospects such as Washington’s Bralen Trice, Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus, Utah’s Jonah Elliss, and Washington State’s Brennan Jackson could also make a case for early selections.
Interestingly, devoted Pac-12 fans will have the opportunity to see familiar faces during the NFL Network’s combine coverage. Several players who began their careers in the conference but transferred out will be participating. LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who spent three seasons at Arizona State before moving to the SEC and winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy, is one notable example. Other recognizable names include former USC quarterback Kedon Slovis (now at Brigham Young), former Stanford offensive tackle Walter Rouse (now at Oklahoma), former Arizona State receiver Johnny Wilson (now at Florida State), and former Arizona State receiver Ricky Pearsall (also now at Florida). Additionally, former Arizona State tackle LaDarius Henderson is now at Michigan. Notably, one player from ASU’s 2023 roster, defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera, received an invitation to the combine.
As the NFL scouting combine kicks off, all eyes will be on these talented Pac-12 players as they aim to impress scouts and solidify their draft positions. With a strong showing, the Pac-12 could be on track for its best draft in years, further cementing its reputation as a powerhouse conference in college football.
