Miami's pro day highlighted a very light docket Thursday (Florida International was the only other school holding workouts). Quarterback Stephen Morris and offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson were arguably the biggest-name prospects being evaluated by the 30 NFL teams in attendance. Morris apparently helped his stock during the workout. Henderson maybe less so.
NFL pro day results: Miami’s Seantrel Henderson struggles, Stephen Morris improves stock
Stephen Morris impressed NFL scouts enough at Miami’s pro day Thursday to earn visits with three teams. Seantrel Henderson’s reviews, meanwhile, were far less glowing.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport
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Miami
Seantrel Henderson avoids media after workout
Seantrel Henderson races across the finish line... #UMProDay https://t.co/puIBnEvKMp
— Hurricanes Football (@MiamiHurricanes) April 3, 2014 Seantrel Henderson worked out for scouts Thursday, but immediate reviews of his performance weren’t glowing. CaneSport.com noted that Henderson avoided media after the workout, and was notably fatigued when he left the field. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen suggested that Henderson “quit” the workout, but Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel wouldn’t go that far:
Not sure if "quitting" his Pro Day workout is a accurate explanation of what happened, but Seantrel Henderson did struggle today.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) April 3, 2014 Kelly was told by two NFL executives that Henderson did, indeed, finish the workout, though the offensive tackle hastened to get off the field afterwards.
Henderson’s agent clarified what happened to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Seantrel'sagent,David Levine,said Seantrel did not quit Pro Day but did not partake in final 2drills because hewas"dehydrated and feltsick."
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 3, 2014 Henderson looks the part of an elite offensive tackle at 6’7, 331 pounds, but he hasn’t performed much like one, whether on the field, at the Combine or apparently at his pro day.
...Beyond today, one NFC scout said his ability to grasp NFL offenses,positive marijuana tests,and UM suspensions remain red flag.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 3, 2014 That said, Henderson did earn dinner with at least one team:
Dolphins are having dinner with seantrel henderson next week (among others) then having him work out at their local day the next day
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 3, 2014 Stephen Morris earns more visits with performance
Stephen Morris lets a beautiful deep ball fly at #UMProDay pic.twitter.com/TsB0uKk6UN
— Hurricanes Football (@MiamiHurricanes) April 3, 2014 You won't find Stephen Morris' name mentioned much in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, especially in a 2014 class loaded with talented quarterbacks. That said, his physical tools are arguably as good as any prospect's in his class. Those in attendance at Miami's pro day on Thursday were very impressed with what they saw, enough to earn him a trio of visits.
Stephen morris impressed nfl people at um pro day today. Morris will visit denver, cleveland and carolina
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 3, 2014 The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers aren't exactly quarterback-needy teams, but with refinement perhaps they feel Morris could be a serviceable backup going forward. The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, are desperate for a signal caller.
Of course, as SB Nation’s own Hurricanes blog State of the U notes, there’s a reason why Morris isn’t receiving more draft hype:
If there's one thing Stephen Morris can do, it's throw a football. ESPECIALLY in camp settings. Now, when it comes to games.....
— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) April 3, 2014 Kenny Phillips works out at Miami pro day
And now for your requisite former star trying to make a comeback:
Former 1st round pick Kenny Phillips, who did not play last season, worked out for scouts today at Miami's pro-day...
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 3, 2014 No reports yet as to how the former NFL safety looked. Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News reported that Phillips piqued the interest of several NFL teams, however. Phillips was drafted No. 31 overall by the New York Giants in 2008. Injuries and poor play in the secondary eventually derailed his career. He was released by the Giants in 2012 with one year left on a five-year contract, then was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 but released during training camp.
Joe Philbin, three NFL GMs in attendance
A slow pro day slate, nice weather and a few big-name prospects helped generate a solid crowd to watch the Hurricanes work out. The Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins were the only two teams that stayed home, though Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins was the only NFL head coach to turn out. Three NFL general managers were in attendance, however:
Three NFL GMs were spotted at UM's Pro Day: Dolphins' Dennis Hickey, Giants' Jerry Reese and Titans' Ruston Webster.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 3, 2014 Other notable Miami prospects included wide receiver Allen Hurns, offensive lineman Brandon Linder and punter Pat O'Donnell. The 6'1, 198-pound Hurns, in particular, seemed confident that he turned some heads:
UM's Allen Hurns said today at #Canes pro day that he's worked out w/ Bengals, Texans. Thoughts? "I felt like I dominated both workouts."
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) April 3, 2014 Florida International
27 teams show up for FIU pro day
Perhaps because it is also a Miami school, Florida International generated a solid turnout Thursday, drawing scouts from 27 of 32 NFL franchise according to Pete Pelegrin of FIUSports.com.
Cornerback Sam Miller and wide receiver Rockey Vann were the two fastest men on the day, both finishing the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Miller also had a broad jump of 10 feet, 2.5 inches and a vertical jump of 38 inches as part of an impressive day.
A bunch of teams represented by scouts here at FIU's pro day. @Gyo_b4 @FIU pic.twitter.com/Z1VKGYsNjU
— AtlanticSportsMgt (@AtlSportsMgt) April 3, 2014 See More:
