Under Pressure

Not every prospect in attendance at the NFL Scouting Combine benefits from the scrutiny that comes.

Despite their tireless preparation going into the weeklong event, the reality is that some will miss the mark of their intended goals.

That’s where Pro Days afford prospects another testing opportunity, but within the familiar confines of their own schools.

Here are five players who – for different reasons – left Indianapolis last week trending in the wrong direction.

GETTY IMAGES: QB Spencer Rattler, out of South Carolina, didn’t test well at the Combine but showcased a power arm.

QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

I’d pinpointed Rattler as a riser entering the NFL Combine, presuming his athletic traits would steal the show amongst his peers. Well, Rattler was unable to make headway from a testing perspective, finishing last in the 40-yard-dash (4.95), broad jump (9-feet, 0-inches), three-cone (7.21) and 20-yard shuttle (4.37). Rattler did, however, showcase his arm talent during the on-field portion of the workout. Still, when assessing such an enigmatic prospect, the margin for error is small.

OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Fashanu is on this list for no other reason than sustaining a right thigh injury that ended his workout prematurely, but all signs point to the Penn State lineman being available for the school’s Pro Day on March 15. Coming back from the injury, Fashanu is someone I’ll be closely monitoring.

EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington

Trice appeared to be on an upward trajectory headed into Combine week, but the Washington product will likely have to atone for a lackluster performance in Indianapolis with a stellar Pro Day. For one, Trice weighed in roughly 30 pounds lighter than his listed playing weight. He then turned in a bottom-half 40 time (4.72) and his arm size (32.5 inches) was also less than ideal. There’s still plenty of time for Trice to re-enter the first-round discussion, but he has some work to do.

CB Kalen King, Penn State

King was someone who I thought would have benefited from returning to school for another year. Heady as he might be, King’s testing numbers failed to match his on-field play, with King accruing a 4.61 40-yard dash (second-worst among his position). The former Nittany Lion also appeared stiff during the on-field work, while his fluidity and footwork left much to be desired. Perhaps a bounce-back is in store at PSU’s Pro Day, but as things currently stand, King has done little to emerge amongst a deep and talented cornerback class.

S Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Confident and charismatic at the podium – he reminded me so much of former Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson – coupled with his ball-hawking prowess and college pedigree, Kinchens could’ve made some noise. Instead, he clocked a 4.65 40 (second slowest among safeties), 9-foot, 2-inch broad jump (last), and finished near the bottom in the vertical (35 inches) and 10-yard shuttle (1.59). On tape, however, Kinchens showcases a fast-flowing urgency and fluidity in his movements. Teams must determine whether the testing numbers are a cause for concern in a league where athleticism reigns supreme or if the proper scheme can accentuate what Kinchens does well.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.