Big 12 Pro Days Preview: Kansas Jayhawks

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The Kansas Jayhawks are set to have a program-record number of Pro Days participants for the first-ever Big 12 Pro Days March 28th-30th. After their best season since 2007, Kansas and coach Lance Leipold has a great crop of talent that will look to impress scouts along with other Big 12 program standouts. This is the first time that the Big 12 will hold a conference-wide Pro Days. Below is a breakdown of the Jayhawks who will attend.

Kansas Jayhawks Participating in Big 12 Pro Days

As mentioned before, the Jayhawks will have a program-record 16 players participate in Pro Day workouts. Their names and positions are listed below:

Jason Bean, QB Kenny Logan, Jr. S

Austin Booker, EDGE Dylan McDuffie, RB

Mason Fairchild, TE Rich Miller, LB

Kalon Gervin, LB Mike Novitsky, C

Hayden Hatcher, DT Devin Phillips, DT

Patrick Joyner, Jr. EDGE Dominick Puni, OL

Seth Keller, K Andrew Russell S

Kwinton Lassiter, CB Craig Young LB

Many of these guys are the last recruits from the former coaching staff, including Kenny Logan and Mason Fairchild. The two seniors oversaw this program's immense growth from Big 12 doormat to potential title contender next year. These guys will get a shot to impress scouts, as well as players like Jason Bean, Mike Novitsky, and Rich Miller who all had great years at Kansas and will have a chance to prove themselves. Let's look at three key names that have the best chance of hearing their names called at the 2024 NFL Draft. You can find out more about these key players here at College Football Dawgs.

Key Participants

Austin Booker

EDGE Austin Booker has an excellent chance of hearing his name called in the upcoming draft. The former Jayhawk sophomore was Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the year after transferring from Minnesota and tied for the Big 12 lead in sacks last year with 8. His smaller frame might turn some scouts off, but his quickness, tenacity, physicality, and move-set could woo scouts not turned off by his looks. Expect Booker to perform well at the Pro Days in speed and movement categories, and if he can impress in the strength-based workouts, he could see his draft stock soar.

Dominick Puni

Many believe Puni to be the best prospect out of all the Kansas players set to go into this year's draft. Puni allowed no sacks last season and no QB hits, as well as a 90.4 Pass Block grade from Pro Football Focus. He is one of the better pass blockers in this year's draft and is perhaps the most versatile offensive lineman, playing essentially every position along the line well throughout his Kansas career. If he can boost his run-blocking abilities and scouts can see past his smaller stature as well, they will be getting a steal in the middle rounds.

Mason Fairchild

Mason Fairchild was the very definition of a "program guy" at Kansas. While he was not as involved in the offense as a player like Kansas State's Ben Sinnott was, he made his mark when he was given a chance. Fairchild made key grabs and had one of the better yards per catch numbers in the nation at tight end with 16.7 yards per catch. As an average-sized tight end, he does not stand out physically until you look at his hands and overall movement. He is not fast and not great on a block, but fluid in his motions, has lengthy arms and soft hands. If he can improve his blocking ability and top-end speed, he will be an asset to any team willing to take him. It is a loaded tight-end class though, so he will need to do some work.

Conclusion

If this class of Pro Day players does not allow one to see that Kansas football is on the come-up, then frankly there isn't anything that will make one see that. This class has talent and has a lot of talent that will be a diamond in the rough, drafted, or undrafted. Jason Bean is a guy who killed defenses with his speed. With how he performed in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl this year, scouts have taken notice and may take a flyer on him at either QB or even wide receiver. He is not the only one that scouts could be fortunate enough to take flyers on, as said earlier, this Kansas Jayhawk class shows a lot of promise to succeed at the next level. All it takes is an opportunity, one that may present itself sooner rather than later depending on how these guys perform at Big 12 Pro Days.