To say Carson Wentz validated the hype surrounding him with a stellar pro day performance this week might somehow be an understatement. The fact is this: North Dakota State's pro day could be historic depending on how the NFL Draft unfolds.
Eighteen teams were represented in Fargo, N.D., to see Wentz work out, but it was not for lack of hype. A snowstorm kept 14 teams' coaches and scouts from traveling there, but the low turnout was still representative of the Football Championship Subdivision's annual shutout of pre-draft activities like pro days and the combine.
No elements for @CJ_Wentz's indoor pro day.
The @Browns wanted to see him toss a wetHere comes the water bottle. https://t.co/cNCarbEaib
— NFL (@NFL) March 24, 2016
Among the teams that did see Wentz work out was the Cleveland Browns. If the Browns were as enamored with Wentz as, well, pretty much everyone is, they will make him the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. The last FCS QB to be drafted in the first round was Steve McNair in 1995, who went third overall. Since then, Joe Flacco has been the only FCS QB to go in the first round, and he transferred to Delaware after playing at Pittsburgh.
Throw 45 of 65 first to hit the ground for Carson Wentz. Tremendous workout so far. — Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) March 24, 2016
So in the age of college football recruiting making national headlines and trending on social media, how did Wentz go unnoticed by the likes of Minnesota, Nebraska or Wisconsin? He is 6 feet 5 inches tall and has physical tools that would warrant a home visit from a head coach rather than a coordinator.
Carson Wentz has effortless power and velocity. pic.twitter.com/kyLPb8VDQf
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) March 24, 2016
"When you grow up in North Dakota, you don't grow up wanting to go to Nebraska," NDSU head football coach Chris Klieman said. "You grow up wanting to be a Bison."
NDSU has won five consecutive National Championships, and the teams Wentz played for were so deep he did not start until his junior season. The other reason is Power 5 programs are not coming to Fargo to find talent.
"They [major programs] just don't recruit here," NDSU offensive coordinator Tim Polasek said. "A kid like that who is playing three sports is not going to go on some traveling 7 on 7 team."
The Browns may have signed Robert Griffin III to compete for the starting QB job, but that will not stop them from drafting Wentz. Even if they do pass on Wentz, the NDSU QB still has an excellent chance to be drafted within the first 10 selections, maybe even the first five.
