Like 19 other NFL teams, the Browns sent a scout to check out the University of Akron football team’s pro day at Stile Athletics Field House on Friday morning.
The Browns also sent Al Saunders, senior offensive assistant and wide receivers coach. Saunders spent a significant amount of time (about 15-20 minutes) with UA wide receiver Jerome Lane Jr., who participated in selected drills. The two spoke during breaks in the action.
“It was huge,” Lane said of the Saunders conversation. “A lot of it was him getting to know what type of player I am.”
Without divulging details, Lane said Saunders wanted to get a gauge of his work ethic and other qualities. The fact that Saunders made an appearance is significant.
The Browns are in an interesting situation at the wide receiver position. They allowed Terrelle Pryor to leave in free agency and released Andrew Hawkins by mutual agreement.
They signed Kenny Britt to a four-year, $32.5 million deal. After drafting four receivers in last year’s draft, Corey Coleman was the only one to flash some skills. There hasn’t been success yet with the Browns, but there is the opportunity to contribute for players willing to work.
“I do sense an opportunity there,” Lane said. “A lot of people don’t want to go to the Browns, but that would be a great fit for me if I can come in and show everyone what I can do. The opportunity there is a little greater than other teams, so I can come there, show up and show out and do it.”
Lane was the only prospective NFL player from the University of Akron who appeared at the league’s combine earlier this month in Indianapolis. The Firestone graduate had hopes to improve on his performance in certain areas. After saying he’d beat his 40-yard dash time from the combine, he elected not to run it.
“The 40 isn’t that big to me. I work to try to impress the scouts,” he said. “I’m more of a game player; my game speed shows up.”
He improved slightly on his vertical jump, moving the needle from 35 inches to 37. He also expressed confidence in the routes he ran and passes he caught from former Zips backup quarterback Matt Hoyer.
“It was a little better than the combine. Now I just want to work on getting out of my breaks better,” he said.
Lane knows that he’s not where he wants to be.
“I felt this workout went a lot better than the combine workout. I’m still not 100 percent on it,” he said. “There are still some things I didn’t like a little bit, but it was all in all good.”
Keep an eye on ...
There are several Zips who could get looks from NFL teams based on their performances. UA fans should keep a look out for Canton’s Se’Von Pittman and Jamal Marcus especially.
George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Zips blog at www.ohio.com/zips. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeorgeThomasABJ.