BOISE - Representatives from 25 NFL teams and two CFL teams were on hand Tuesday to take in Boise State’s 2018 pro day.
Nine former Bronco football players participated in strength and speed testing, as well as on-field drills.
Front and center was likely first round draft pick and 2018 Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year Leighton Vander Esch.
Because Vander Esch already posted very good times and testing numbers at the NFL scouting combine in February - 4.65 40 yard dash time, 20 225-pound bench-press reps - he only did field drills Tuesday.
Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coach Ken Flayjole put Vander Esch and Gabe Perez through several drills.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker coach Jerry Olsavsky was also on hand helping out in drills, and things went well, according to Vander Esch.
“It was awesome, it went smooth," he said. "It's a little rough with just two linebackers, it gets you a little tired, but other than that it was a blast. It was awesome.”
Vander Esch said his main goal is continue to impress during his meetings with several NFL teams in the coming weeks leading up to the NFL draft.
“I'm just trying to be the best linebacker in the nation right now and that's my biggest goal, and I mean I want to be the best linebacker in the NFL one day too, so the work's not over,” he said.
Meanwhile, receiver Cedrick Wilson also performed well enough at the combine - 4.55 40 yard dash time, 37” vertical jump - that he too, only did field drills Tuesday. The son of a seven-year NFL veteran, Wilson knows the knock on him is his speed, but he more than makes up for it with his catching and playmaking abilities.
“I'm not going to be one of the fastest receivers you're going to get, so if that’s what you're looking for, I'm not going to do that, but I'm going to catch the ball when you throw it to me," Wilson said. "It's pretty much a big job interview, for what I've been working for, I wouldn't say very stressful because I think other jobs are much more stressful than playing football.”
Wilson said he also met his main training goal the last few months by adding weight to his 6’2, 195-pound frame.
“Definitely happy with what I've done since the season ended," he said. "The main thing I wanted to do was gain weight and I think I put up like seven to eight pounds.”
Tight end Jake Roh led Boise State last season with nine touchdowns. That's even more impressive when you consider he missed the last three games of the season with a foot injury. Roh worked out for his hometown Arizona Cardinals last month and says he's now completely healthy.
“You know I think I showcased that I'm healthy, and can move well and all those things that the film shows," Roh said. "Came out here and tried to do that to the best of my ability and thought it was a good day. I think I still have a very high ceiling because I feel like right now I'm just getting back to normal, so now I can finally start to build on that.”
Quarterback Montell Cozart threw last week at Kansas’ pro day, the school he played at before transferring to Boise State for his senior season. He also threw for scouts at Boise State on Tuesday. Cozart rushed for 361 yards last fall, showcasing a dual-threat ability and his athleticism that has teams intrigued about other potential positions at the next level, something Cozart says he is open to.
“I'm open, the process has been great," he said. "I've been hearing from probably about 10 teams, only teams that asked about being a receiver was Carolina and Dallas, so other than that, it's been all quarterback and I've been playing quarterback since I was little so why not keep working on your craft? I'm grateful for whatever opportunity comes and when it comes, I'm going to look ahead and never look back.”