TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Some awfully big names were among the dozens of NFL head coaches, general managers and scouts that gathered Wednesday at the University of Alabama for the Crimson Tide's annual pro day event, even though some of Alabama's top players were only taking part in the workout on a limited basis.
Some of those spotted: New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan as well as Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese and Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.
The main attraction was no doubt the 40-yard dash by Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley, who reportedly ran an unofficial time in the 4.6 range, although his official time has not yet been released. Mosley ran the 40 twice, went through other drill work, then took time with reporters to refute reports that his medical history had been red-flagged by some NFL clubs.
With Mosley's draft projections varying fairly wildly throughout the first round, more clubs than not could be in play for the Butkus Award-winning senior.
A few other notables from the event:
» Speaking of medical histories, offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio addressed reports of lingering knee issues, and said he will wait until April 8 to try and improve on his NFL Scouting Combine-worst 5.59 40-yard dash. Kouandjio went through position drills only. He's dropped 11 pounds since the combine, down to 311, and said he feels significantly lighter on his feet at that size.
» UA quarterback AJ McCarron threw for scouts and went through a few drills, though he didn't run the 40 again (he did so at the combine). A member of the Houston Texans' scouting contingent appeared to be paying especially close attention to McCarron. His three targets included former UA receiver Kevin Norwood, whose 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine did nothing but help his draft stock. As such, Norwood went nowhere near the 40-yard starting line Wednesday.
» Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who could be the first UA player drafted in May, went through position drills but stood on his 4.58 40 time from the combine. San Diego Chargers secondary coach Ron Milus kept Clinton-Dix busy during position drills for defensive backs, along with late-round cornerback prospect Deion Belue and a few other UFA hopefuls.
» Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach Brentson Buckner took a particular interest in UA linebacker Adrian Hubbard, putting the early-entry junior through position drills. At one point during a drill requiring Hubbard to lock out his arms to shed a block, Buckner proved too strong, drawing a laugh from Hubbard. Buckner, in turn, cracked a joke that Hubbard wouldn't be playing against Vanderbilt anymore.
» Retired linebacker Rolando McClain, a 2010 first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders, attended the workout as an observer. McClain said he is considering a comeback attempt, but hasn't yet made any decision:
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