Colt McCoy threw for scouts today in Austin during a controlled workout at the Texas Pro Day. Reportedly completed all of his passes working exclusively from under center, McCoy threw to former receivers Quan Cosby and Nate Jones, as well as lifelong friend Jordan Shipley. Two deep passes were caught out of bounds. Though it does not sound like the winningest quarterback in the history of college football did enough to convince some skeptics that his arm strength is optimal for the NFL, he did prove that his shoulder is healthy and the accuracy that helped him set the single-season NCAA receiving record was no fluke. Former USC coach Pete Carroll was in attendance and called McCoy's arm strength "solid."
Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy compared McCoy's workout to the one Sam Bradford put on recently at his own Pro Day quite favorably, opining that McCoy's challenged himself more during the controlled workout throwing on the move and attempting deep passes, whereas Bradford chose to limit his work on the run.
The former Texas signall caller mentioned that the St. Louis Rams, owners of the first pick in the draft, have spoken with him, fueling speculation that they will draft a defensive tackle with the first pick and target McCoy with the first pick of the second roud. The Cleveland Browns are also reportedly interested in his services. Here's the take from NFL Network's Mike Mayock:
This year, the curiosity was QB Colt McCoy, and I think the most important factor was that he showed he was healthy. He throws the ball deep, he throws it intermediate, and he has excellent deep touch and accuracy.
I loved his footwork. I knew he was a great athlete, so he has great mobility. He’s smart and tough — you can see that off tape. The most important thing I saw was his ability to drive in intermediate routes — both the in-breaking big route and the comeback route. He showed he can do that. I think he’s a solid second-round pick.
Of course, McCoy wasn't the only Longhorn with something to prove at the Texas Pro Day. Safety Earl Thomas, not satisfied with his 40 time from the NFL combine, ran a blazing 4.34, according to Mayock's timer, a number to which scouts will add some time because of the fast surface in Austin. Thomas pulled a hamstring on the run and did not participate in the rest of the Pro Day. His 4.34 would have been the third-fastest time at the NFL combine and the fastest for any defensive back.
Here's a look at the other 40 times for Texas players in attendance:
CB Deon Beasley (5-foot-9 5/8, 180 pounds) ran 4.47 and 4.46 in the 40-yard dash.
DT Lamarr Houston (6-2 7/8, 300) will keep his 40 times from the combine.
LB Sergio Kindle (6-2 7/8, 249) will keep his 40 times from the combine.
WR Jordan Shipley (5-11 1/2, 187) ran 4.54 and 4.56 in the 40.
G Charlie Tanner (6-3 7/8, 305) ran 5.20 and 5.12 in the 40.
T Adam Ulatoski (6-6, 302) ran 4.58 and 4.56 in the 40.
LB Roddrick Muckelroy (6-1 5/8, 234) ran 4.73 and 4.75 in the 40.
It's worth noting that Mayock's times for Ulatoski contrast sharply with his times reported elsewhere, such as a whole second slower here. The same report indicated that both Kindle and Houston helped themselves by looking strong in position drills. Muckelroy's times were slightly slower than the mid-4.6s he ran at the NFL combine. Charlie Tanner reportedly threw up 35 reps on the bench press and had a 36(!)-inch vertical. All told 79 scouts from 30 NFL teams were on hand.
More news later as it becomes avalable.