The long leadup to the NFL draft provides organizations ample time to over-think their initial reads on a prospect, a process that undoubtedly leads to draft-day mistakes. Pro days embody this flaw in the system, as evaluating players in shorts working in familiar environments is hardly an accurate depiction of how they'll handle the professional pressure cooker.Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped prospects like Teddy Bridgewater from seeing their stocks disproportionately affected by pro days. While numerous quarterback-needy teams may be ruing passing over Bridgewater, that doesn't necessarily mean that pro days are an entirely silly exercise. Injured players who missed the scouting combine need to provide reassurance to teams, while scouting departments may want a second look at a divisive prospect before making a final conclusion.Not all pro days are concludedas this handy pro-day tracker from Jaguars.com illustrates, plenty of premier prospects have yet to work outbut based on the numerous workouts held so far, a few players have ostensibly seen their stocks change. Our latest first-round mock draft attempts to reflect the fluidity inherent in the predraft process:So which of the 32 players were most affected in the post-combine stage' Honing in on players who reassured teams with recent workouts, let's take a look at potential fits for a trio of Day 1 hopefuls.Devin Funchess, WR/TE, MichiganAs a 64, 232-pound tight end with virtually no blocking capacity or in-line experience, Funchess enters the NFL as a classic tweener. Todays era of specialization means that such a designation isnt as problematic as it once was, but after a painfully slow 4.70 40-yard dash time at the combine, Funchess chances of sticking at receiver appeared slim.However, the ex-Wolverine subsequently ran a 4.48 40-time at his pro day, per Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press, a jaw-dropping improvement from his Indy showing. With concerns about his functional speed alleviated, teams appear more apt to focus on his catch radius and agility, where he certainly appears to represent a viable wide receiver:Consequently, Funchess has vaulted himself back into late Day 1 consideration after slipping out of that picture following the combine. The Ravens look like the most logical landing spot, having lost Torrey Smith and Owen Daniels from the passing attack. Moreover, Baltimore doesnt really possess any young cost-controlled pass-catching talent apart from Michael Campanaro, a slot receiver who is essentially the antithesis of what Funchess could provide for Joe Flacco.Funchess is still probably more likely to see his name called Day 2 because of his raw route running and inconsistent hands, but these are traits that reps can improve. Conversely, Funchess size is something that cant be replicated, so now that he has flashed NFL-caliber speed, the Michigan product shouldnt last too long in the draft.Randy Gregory, OLB, NebraskaIn a class full of uber-athletic long edge-rushers, Gregory may stand above them all. The Nebraska edge-rusher weighed in at 238 pounds, per ESPNs Mitch Sherman, which will likely limit him to the 3-4 outside linebacker spot. But considering that five of the top seven picks belong to teams employing 3-4 schemes, Gregory figures to come off the board within that range.The real value in Gregorys pro day came from the position drills, as he allowed his impressive 40-time, vertical leap and bench-press marks from the combine to stand up. According to Shermans review, though, Gregory tested out exclusively as a linebacker in position drills. Considering the movement toward smaller, faster linebackers to combat spacing-based offenses, Gregorys receiver-like testing numbers should enthrall pro scouts:Thats not to suggest that Gregory is a perfect prospect, for his pass-rushing arsenal essentially consists of the same club move, as Football Outsiders Matt Waldman articulates in his must-read scouting report. That move helped Gregory compile 17.5 sacks over two seasons at Lincoln, but the ability to progress smoothly from move-to-move is indispensable against NFL tackles.In terms of team fit, Washington at pick No. 5 looks like a strong bet after Brian Orakpos departure. Additionally, if the Jets dont fall for Marcus Mariota, Gang Green represents a strong bet to select one of the top edge-rushers to round out their suddenly formidable defense. Right now, Gregorys floor looks like Atlanta at No. 8, which could use a Leo rusher to feature in Dan Quinns defense.Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLAIn the early predraft process, the dearth at inside linebacker was glaring, with only Bernardrick McKinney and Denzel Perryman looking like potential late first-rounders. But UCLAs Eric Kendricks has since become a scouts crush, and while this current projection may be a tad ambitious, its not inconceivable to imagine him working his way up to the mid-first round by draft day.A tweaked hamstring prevented Kendricks from finishing the combine, and while he refrained from running the 40 at his pro day, the vibe was generally positive after he went through other position drills. For what its worth, his 4.17-second short-shuttle time would have finished in the top 10 among combine linebackers, while his 7.16-second three-cone drill time would have placed in the top 15.Those drills highlight Kendricks change-of-direction ability and burst, traits that made him one of the nations most productive linebackers. With sideline-to-sideline range as well as adequate coverage ability, Kendricks ceiling could be reminiscent of a former Defensive Player of the Year:For now, Kendricks isnt a household name due to a relative lack of disruptive plays at Westwood. In four years, Kendricks had just 10 sacks, though he did see a big uptick in tackles for loss his senior season, compiling 11.5 after making just 14.5 such plays over his first three years.But thats also partially a byproduct of his role at UCLA, and with his ideal measurables for the position (60, 232 lbs), its not hard to envision Kendricks becoming one of the leagues more well-rounded inside backers in due time. Teams seeking to augment the middle of their defense, like Miami and San Francisco, could make Kendricks a first-round prospect by the end of the predraft process.*All measurables and combine numbers via NFL.com.
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