Full Breakdown
Toledo Rockets Showcase Talent at NFL Pro Day
3/25/2026, 5:23:42 PM
Overview of Pro Day Events
On March 23, 2026, the University of Toledo hosted its annual Pro Day at the Fetterman Training Center, where 14 recent graduates from the Toledo football team demonstrated their skills in front of scouts and representatives from all 32 NFL teams. Participants engaged in various drills, including the 40-yard dash and vertical jump, aiming to impress NFL evaluators ahead of the upcoming draft.
Key Performers and Highlights
Among the standout athletes was safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who is projected to be a high draft pick. He previously showcased his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, clocking a 4.52-second time in the 40-yard dash, with a notable 1.58-second split for the first 10 yards. McNeil-Warren expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete alongside his teammates, stating, “I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be out here competing with my brothers, showing all the scouts what we can do.”
Defensive backs Avery Smith and Andre Fuller also participated in the drills, both expressing satisfaction with their performances. Smith, a two-time All-MAC selection, remarked, “I wanted to come out here, do my shuttle and L-Drill again, and I feel like I did what I needed to do.” Fuller, recognized as a First-Team All-MAC choice in 2025, added, “I feel like I did great today. Finished the area drills the best I could, caught the balls, made clean breaks.”
Running back Chip Trayanum, who was not invited to the NFL Combine, used this as motivation during Pro Day. He stated, “It definitely added a little bit of an extra chip on my shoulder, not getting a Combine invite, but I control what I can. I just leave it all out there in my performance.” Trayanum had an impressive season, rushing for 1,015 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Toledo has a history of producing NFL talent, with 11 players selected in the NFL Draft over the past decade. Notably, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2024 draft and went on to be named runner-up for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where the performances at Pro Day will be closely analyzed by NFL teams.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
The University of Toledo emphasized the significance of Pro Day as a platform for its athletes to showcase their skills to professional scouts. The anticipation surrounding the draft reflects the potential for several Rockets to continue their football careers at the professional level.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be out here competing with my brothers, showing all the scouts what we can do,” — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety
- “I wanted to come out here, do my shuttle and L-Drill again, and I feel like I did what I needed to do,” — Avery Smith, Defensive Back
- “It definitely added a little bit of an extra chip on my shoulder, not getting a Combine invite, but I control what I can.” — Chip Trayanum, Running Back
- “I’m just a guy that’s willing to work hard, keep his head down and just grind.” — Anonymous Player
The performances at Pro Day not only highlight the individual talents of the players but also set the stage for their potential futures in the NFL.
