Athens, GA—–The pre-draft process in the NFL Draft isn’t just about what prospects show—it’s often defined by what they choose not to. Players carefully prepare for certain drills, skip others, and sometimes delay testing from the combine to their pro days, all in an effort to present the strongest version of themselves. With so much money and opportunity at stake, it’s a calculated approach—but it can leave scouts piecing together incomplete evaluations.
That dynamic was on full display at the Georgia Bulldogs pro day, where standout performances and lingering questions shared the spotlight.
Delp boosts his draft stock
Tight end Oscar Delp delivered one of the most impressive showings of the day, turning heads with elite athletic testing. His 38.5-inch vertical jump placed him among top-tier tight ends historically, while a 10-foot broad jump further highlighted his explosiveness.
Delp capped off his performance with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash—an outstanding time for his position, especially considering he played through a foot injury during the 2025 season that kept him out of combine testing.
Known for his ability after the catch and his knack for stretching defenses downfield, Delp reinforced his reputation as a dynamic receiving threat. His willingness to block and contribute in multiple alignments only adds to his appeal, positioning him firmly in the conversation as one of the top tight ends in this draft class.
Questions linger for Allen
While Delp elevated his stock, linebacker CJ Allen left evaluators with more uncertainty. After opting out of testing at the NFL Combine, Allen again chose not to participate in drills at his pro day.
That decision naturally raises concerns for teams, particularly when combined with his measurables. At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, Allen falls slightly below the preferred size for NFL linebackers, making athletic testing even more important to his evaluation.
Despite those concerns, his game tape tells a different story. Allen has been a consistent and instinctive presence in Georgia’s defense, showing strong run-stopping ability and leadership as the unit’s signal-caller. He often plays faster than he measures and brings a physicality that helps offset any size limitations.
Still, the lack of verified testing numbers may give teams pause. In a deep linebacker class, even small uncertainties can impact draft position, and Allen could face increased scrutiny as teams weigh his on-field production against unanswered athletic questions.
The bigger picture
Georgia’s pro day highlighted the balancing act teams face every year. Standout performances like Delp’s can solidify a prospect’s rise, while unanswered questions—like those surrounding Allen—can introduce doubt.
In the end, the pre-draft process isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about filling in the gaps—and sometimes, those gaps matter just as much as the highlights.
