Michigan State Showcases NFL Talent at Annual Pro Day

Michigan State opened its doors to NFL personnel for the annual Pro Day showcase, providing draft prospects with crucial opportunities to impress scouts, coaches, and general managers ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh later this month.

The event highlighted several standout Spartans who hope to hear their names called during the April 23-25 draft proceedings. Leading the group were punter Ryan Eckley and center Matt Gulbin, both of whom earned invitations to the prestigious NFL Scouting Combine earlier this year.

Eckley enters professional consideration as one of the nation top punting prospects, having concluded his Michigan State career with an impressive 47.6-yard average per punt. The specialist dominated college football in 2025, leading the nation with a remarkable 48.5-yard average while demonstrating exceptional precision with 23 punts traveling over 50 yards and 20 kicks downed inside the 20-yard line.

Gulbin transferred to Michigan State from Wake Forest and immediately established himself as one of the country elite centers. Pro Football Focus rated him as the highest-graded center in college football, recognizing his exceptional pass protection that resulted in allowing just two sacks and five total pressures throughout the entire 2025 season.

The center full participation at Pro Day carried added significance after an injury prevented him from completing on-field drills at the NFL Combine. His healthy performance provided scouts with the complete evaluation they needed to assess his professional potential.

Tight end Jack Velling arrived at Pro Day with perhaps the most to gain from an impressive workout. After following former coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State to Michigan State, Velling served as a team captain while producing 72 receptions for 770 yards across two seasons with the Spartans. Notably, approximately half of his 2025 catches resulted in first downs, demonstrating his reliability in crucial situations.

Wide receiver Omari Kelly showcased the speed and playmaking ability that made him one of Michigan State top offensive threats. After transferring from Middle Tennessee State, Kelly emerged as a primary deep threat for quarterbacks Aidan Chiles and Alessio Milivojevic, recording 47 receptions for 626 yards with a 13.3-yard average per catch and two touchdowns.

Kelly versatility extended beyond receiving, as he led the team with 809 all-purpose yards and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition for his contributions. His combination of production and special teams ability makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking depth receivers.

Defensive back Devyn Cromwell produced eye-catching measurables that would have ranked among combine leaders. His 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump and 40.5-inch vertical leap would have placed first and third respectively among safeties at the 2026 Combine, demonstrating the explosive athleticism that attracts professional scouts.

Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas participated in throwing sessions, connecting with Velling, Kelly, and running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver during position-specific drills. These workouts allowed skill position players to demonstrate their route-running precision and hands while providing evaluation opportunities in game-like settings.

The Pro Day coincided with the beginning of spring practice under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who officially launched his Michigan State tenure on March 17. The spring campaign will culminate with a public Spring Showcase on April 18 at Spartan Stadium, giving fans their first extended look at the program under new leadership.

For departing seniors, Pro Day represents the culmination of their college careers and the beginning of professional aspirations. The combination of measurables, athletic testing, and position drills provides comprehensive evaluation opportunities that can significantly impact draft positioning and free agent signings.