Friday, March 23 the University of Wyoming hosted their NFL Pro Day with nine players participating in the event including Josh Allen, Drew Van Maanen, Ryan Cummings, Kolton Donovan, Rico Gafford, Tim Kamana, Nela Lolohea, Jalen Ortiz and Robert Priester.
NFL head coaches, national television and other media outlets flocked to this Pro Day due to Allen’s participation allowing the Wyoming football program to be in the national spotlight for the day.
“It’s awesome,” Allen said “This is why we moved the Pro Day up a little bit (from 11 a.m. to 10 a.m.) we wanted NFL Network and ESPN to run what we got here. Show some of our other guys. Gave a lot of Media Attention to the University of Wyoming and they have given a lot to me. I am just blessed to be in a position to help give back and help give my teammates notice because obviously there were a lot of people here and a lot of scouts. We had a lot of guys perform really well today so I am proud of them.”
Allen was able to dazzle all of the scouts in attendance with his throwing ability. Some of Allen’s throws traveled up to 70 yards while other throws were meant to show the accuracy Allen has been working on.
“Wanted to come out here and show the accuracy, show the touch and show the footwork we have been working on. I think we did that,” Allen said.
For the past few weeks Allen has been working out with former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer to help improve his footwork to improve his accuracy.
Allen’s accuracy has been a major concern entering the draft and has been the reason why some analysts believe he will not have a successful career in the NFL.
When going through his throwing drills Allen was able to throw to former teammate Drew Van Maanen who hopes to make it to the NFL as a fullback and/or long snapper.
“[Maanen] is one of my best friends,” Allen said. “Getting back here to hang out with him and throw to him. He was able to make some great catches today. If there was one guy on this team that I really wanted to throw to today it was him. He has worked his butt off for this opportunity.”
Allen and Van Maanen were team captains together this last season.
Van Maanen mostly went out on short routes but when sent on a deep route Allen was able to connect with Van Maanen on a perfect throw and catch. He felt like he performed well in the receiving drills.
“It felt good being a receiver today,” Van Maanen said. “Catching for Josh, there is no better feeling than that.”
Van Maanen was not used a lot in the passing game at Wyoming, but he was able to show his ability to catch at Pro Day.
Former Wyoming lineman Ryan Cummings was also able to present his skills as he went through one-on-one drills put on by a Denver Broncos representative.
“I think it went pretty well,” Cummings said. “A lot of good drills, good times and good jumps.”
Pro Day was a time for Allen to demonstrate why he belongs in the NFL but for everyone else this is a day that they are able to show what they have and hopefully get a team invite to try out for a roster spot on an NFL team.
As of right now Cummings has one team visit scheduled with the Denver Broncos, Allen said he has ten team visits scheduled and Van Maanen is waiting to see if he gets a camp invite.
As these three wrap up their college careers they all said their greatest memories and something they will miss the most is hanging out with their fellow teammates.
