NFL Pro Day 2016: New York Giants Watch These 5 Dark Horse Prospects
By Neal Lynch
4. Johnny Holton – WR, Cincinnati Bearcats
Wide receiver coaches from the New York Jets, Giants and Lions were on hand, as was New England Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio on March 14th. The Bearcats leading receiver Shaq Washington injured his hamstring, cutting his pro day short. Fellow wideout Chris Moore worked out for the Carolina Panthers.
From Pauline:
“Receiver Johnny Holton saw a significant improvement in his 40 time, clocking in the low to mid 4.4s. As previously mentioned, Holton ran at the Combine with a bad hamstring. His other numbers included a vertical jump of 36.5 inches and a broad jump of 10-4.”
Holton received a 4.85 grade from NFL Draft analayst Lance Zierlein, which was tied for next to last among participants. Zierlein added that Johnny is a “Straight-up vertical guy who can blaze and hit the home run.”
The Pats Pulpit projects Holton and his fellow Cincy wideout are late round options.
This comes after a gritty performance at the scouting combine, in which Pauline ranked Holton’s effort as the 10th best of Day 2. From PhiladelphiaEagles.com:
"“10. WR Johnny Holton, Cincinnati – Holton put on one of the grittiest performances of the Combine on Saturday. Struggling with a lingering hamstring injury, it was recommended that he not run the 40, but Holton did so anyway and timed in the mid 4.5s, faster than expected. Holton later looked good in position drills, catching everything thrown in his direction.”"
Holton only played in 7 games this past season, but still managed to equal his touchdown output and exceed his receiving yards total from the year before.
3. Mekale McKay – WR, Cincinnati Bearcats
McKay received a grade of 5.06 at the scouting combine with Zierlein stating, “McKay was a ‘one to watch’ type of prospect headed into 2015, but failed to build on that buzz this season…size is appealing…potential issues against press coverage combined with below average hands.”
From Pauline: “Receiver Mekale McKay, who also worked out at the Combine, posted a vertical jump of 37.5 inches.” That was a good 2.5 inches better than what he posted at the combine.
Mekale’s best season came as a junior when he played in 13 games, caught 44 passes for 725 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Next: #2 - CALHOUN ON BIG BLUE SOON