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2020 NFL Draft

Pro Day roundup: Who's improving their draft stock?

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Though free agency has hogged the headlines over the past week or so, pro days are in full swing across the country, and Browns scouts and coaches have been criss-crossing the map to see them in person.

Some of the biggest Pro Days have occurred over the past two weeks and have drawn representatives from all 32 teams. Among them: Alabama's on Tuesday, Oregon's on Thursday and Ohio State's on Friday.

We're taking a look at those events and more in our roundup. Expect full coverage of the Buckeyes' Pro Day in the coming days.

UCLA

Prospects to know: QB Brett Hundley, DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, LB Eric Kendricks

What happened?: Hundley, who has been tabbed anywhere from a late first-round selection to a third-round pick, benched, ran the 40-yard dash and went through a full throwing exercise for scouts, according to reports. NFL.com reported Hundley was pleased with the improvement he showed in his footwork, as he completed 57 of 60 passes with one drop, Bruins coach Jim Mora said.

Kendricks, who is considered one of the top inside linebacker prospects in the 2015 class, stood by his 40 time at the Combine (4.61 seconds). He's been hampered a bit by a hamstring injury.

"I talk to everyone and they say it doesn't really matter what film they turn on," Mora told Fox Sports West. "They see a guy that goes sideline-to-sideline and makes plays."

Odighizuwa's focus centered on showing his versatility, according to reports. A 3-4 defensive end with the Bruins, Odighizuwa projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. A potential late first-round pick, he worked at both spots during his workout.

Oregon

Prospects to know: QB Marcus Mariota, DE Arik Armstead

What happened: Mariota was the star attraction and the reason why NFL Network broadcast the Ducks' Pro Day as it happened. The reaction has been similar to what came out after Teddy Bridgewater's Pro Day last year, as NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah called it “underwhelming” and Mariota himself said he threw better at the Combine. Browns quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell, who worked with Mariota before he came to Cleveland, was in attendance.

Armstead, who is projected as a mid- to late first-round pick, did not go through any timed drills but was active in position drills. Oregon coach Mark Helfrich told reporters Armstead was talented enough to be a top-five prospect at left tackle if he opted to play on that side of the line.

Alabama

Prospects to know: WR Amari Cooper, QB Blake Sims

What happened: Cooper, who is considered the first or second-best wide receiver prospect in the draft depending on where you look, stood by his 40-yard dash time (4.42 seconds) and went through position drills in front of a bevy of NFL personnel. His first post-Pro Day visit is scheduled with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold the No. 3 pick.

"I think I proved I was a polished receiver," Cooper told AL.com. "I felt like I could have run my routes a little bit more, they could have been a little more crisper, but it doesn't always happen the way you plan for it to happen, so I'm fine."

Sims, who played a number of positions before his breakout senior year, threw passes but also ran routes as a wide receiver and running back. He told reporters he's still focused on playing quarterback but is OK with switching positions if that makes his path to the NFL a little more clear.

Louisville

Prospects to know: WR DeVante Parker, LB Lorenzo Mauldin

What happened: Like Cooper, Parker stood by his 40 time (4.45) at a Pro Day that was attended by New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. The Browns have been linked to Parker in numerous mock drafts. So, too, have the Minnesota Vikings, who hold the 11th pick just ahead of Cleveland. If that occurs, Parker would be reunited with Bridgewater.

"That would be a good match to be back with Teddy," Parker told the Louisville Courier-Journal. "We've got a pretty good connection, so it would be real special to reconnect."

Mauldin is relatively new to outside linebacker, as he began his Cardinals career as a 4-3 defensive end. He could be a nice pick-up in the middle rounds.

Kentucky

Prospects to know: DE/LB Alvin "Bud" Dupree

What happened: Dupree was one of the NFL Combine's stars, so it was understandable why he stood by most of his times and measurements at his Pro Day. He's been pegged as a mid- to late first-round selection and linked to a number of teams with picks right around the Browns at No. 19. During one particular drill this week, he knocked Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes 5 or 6 yards backward, according to an ESPN report. Dupree is the prototypical hybrid defensive end who would likely play at outside linebacker in a 3-4.

"It was important for me to showcase my ability and the change-of-direction ability and dropping in space," Dupree told ESPN. "I wanted to show that I could flip and change directions on my own like that."

This article is part of the Road to the Draft series, driven by Liberty Ford.

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