Despite posting a 7-6 record in 2017 -- the program's worst finish since 2009 -- Florida State will be represented quite well at the annual NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis.
Nine former Seminoles were invited to the event, which will run from today through March 5. Those players are Derwin James, Tarvarus McFadden, Auden Tate, Derrick Nnadi, Josh Sweat, Ryan Izzo, Matthew Thomas, Jacob Pugh and Rick Leonard.
Each prospect will be put through a series of strenuous interviews, tests and on-the-field drills. They will be weighed and measured upon arrival before undergoing meetings with specific teams. The future professional football hopefuls will also participate in psychological testing and meet with the media before their on-field workouts.
Outside of position specific drills, each prospect will be tested on the bench press, 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill, vertical jump, broad jump and shuttle runs. All of the prospects are allowed to select which drills they will participate in.
The players will also be subjected to a drug screen, the Cybex test and the Wonderlic test. The Cybex test is an examination of a prospect's joint movement. The Wonderlic is used to test the players' intellectual ability in a variety of ranges. It’s a 50-question exam that is to be completed in 12 minutes.
The former `Noles will have another chance to show off their skills at Florida State's Pro Day on March 20, as well as during private team workouts.
Derwin James
Position: Safety
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 215 pounds.
College stats: 186 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 3 interceptions
Early projections: First Round
Scout's outlook: “Possesses the desired physical traits and mental makeup of an All-Pro safety who has the ability to not only set a tone but change the course of games. Although James is extremely athletic and talented, he still has room for improvement as a run defender and in coverage. James' talent is best utilized in an active, attacking capacity in a robber role or near the line of scrimmage, where he can support the run, blitz and handle physical coverage responsibilities.” -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Combine schedule: James will arrive on Friday for orientation and team interviews. The following day, he’ll have his measurements taken and medical examinations. On Sunday, James will meet with the media and do the bench press. Finally, he’ll complete his on-field workout on Monday, March 5, before departing from Indianapolis.
