Toledo Pro Day: Defensive Backs Shine, Small-School Standout Turns Heads
- Catrell Simpson
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
The University of Toledo hosted NFL scouts from all 32 teams to watch the Rockets and other local players compete in drills at their pro day. Here are some of the highlights from the day:
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF (Toledo)
One of the top prospects in the entire class, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren decided to stick with his testing numbers from the combine. However, he did participate in individual drills. During those drills, he showed consistent footwork, and his range was on full display.
While it was originally reported that McNeil-Warren would not compete at all during the pro day, he said it was important for him to be out there one last time with his teammates. “I just wanted to be out here and do drills with my dogs. I feel like I did everything at the combine, so I just came out here to do drills and support my guys,” McNeil-Warren said after completing his on-field work.
Andre Fuller, CB (Toledo)
Similar to McNeil-Warren, Andre Fuller also decided to stick with his testing numbers from the combine but did participate in on-field drills. Throughout the drills, Fuller showcased his athleticism.
His hips were fluid in every drill, and there was no wasted movement. He also showed off his hands, not letting the ball touch the ground once. “I feel like I reached my goals. I really just wanted to come out here and compete with my teammates one last time, support them, and see them chase their dreams,” Fuller said when asked how he felt about his performance.
Avery Smith, CB (Toledo)
Without sounding like a broken record, Avery Smith also stood by most of his combine testing numbers but chose to redo a couple of drills. “I wanted to come out here and do my shuttle and L-drill again, and I feel like I did what I needed to do,” Smith said when asked about his performance. It's fitting that he chose those drills because they test change-of-direction ability, which was what stood out most during his performance.
Tyren Montgomery, WR (John Carroll University)
D3 standout and combine snub Tyren Montgomery competed in every drill available. He posted a 35.5-inch vertical, a 10’8” broad jump, and scouts clocked him in the low-to-mid 4.6 range in the 40-yard dash. It was a very impressive start to the day in terms of measurables. During drills, Montgomery’s routes were refined, but there was a clear disconnect between him and the quarterback, which is expected when catching passes from someone for the first time. Montgomery is proud of his journey, but he knows the work is far from done. “I’ve come a long way, but I know my game has a lot of room for improvement. I want [teams] to know that I’m coachable, excited to learn, and ready to keep grinding to be the best player I can be,” Montgomery said following the conclusion of his testing and drills.
Other players who looked impressive during on-field drills included Toledo wide receivers Junior Vandeross and Trayvon Rudolph. Both displayed excellent chemistry with the quarterback, and neither appeared to let a ball hit the ground. Vandeross impressed with his speed and quickness, while Rudolph showcased strong hands and the confidence to catch anything in his vicinity. Both are undersized for the position, with Vandeross listed at 5’8” and Rudolph at 5’10”, but they displayed traits that NFL scouts may find intriguing.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, Toledo’s pro day served as a final opportunity for prospects to solidify their draft stock or earn a path as undrafted free agents.
For some, the performances in Toledo may have been enough to hear their name called in Pittsburgh. For others, it was about proving they belong in an NFL training camp. Either way, the message was clear: opportunities remain and several players took full advantage.
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