NFL hopefuls get a chance to impress teams at BC's Pro Day in advance of draft

Boston Globe

24-03-2025

'If we could fast-forward and see ourselves now, it's crazy to think about,' Trapilo said. 'I've had a great time. I know he has, too. It's really a dream come true for both of us.'
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Trapilo, a 6-foot-8-inch, 309-pound tackle, and Kendall, a 6-4, 299-pound center, headlined a group of 18 participants. Athletes took part in the broad jump, 40-yard dash, pro agility drills, position drills, and more.
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Pro Day is always well-attended, but this one carried extra weight and yielded more commotion than most, with many potential draft picks in the building.
For local hopefuls, this was the final task before the NFL Draft begins April 24. Now, it's time to put on the finishing touches and keep preparing for what lies ahead.
'All the hay is in the barn at this point,' Kendall said. 'You just wait and find out where you're going.'
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Ezeiruaku's stock has risen dramatically after an Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year season and a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Risking it now wouldn't be worth it.
Ezeiruaku, a 6-2, 247-pound New Jersey native, said it's 'very surreal' to know he'll live out a childhood dream in the coming weeks. He said he's happy to go on any day, but adding his name and picture to the wall of first-round picks inside Fish 'wouldn't look too bad.'
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He acknowledged there may be some happy tears whenever the time comes.
'I just can't wait to embrace that moment with my family and finally check that part off the goal sheet,' Ezeiruaku said.
Defensive lineman Neto Okpala, linebacker Kam Arnold, running back Kye Robichaux, offensive lineman Jack Conley, and defensive lineman Cam Horsley were other former Eagles to participate Monday. All have a chance to go later in the draft or sign as an undrafted free agent.
O'Brien said it's all about what happens after the draft.
'It's definitely a big part of your life, but it's just a part,' he said. 'It's what you do from that point forward. You've accomplished that. You've gotten to that point where an NFL team has brought you into their organization, but now what are you going to do with it?'
O'Brien, who welcomed 10 Patriots staffers to campus, had Vrabel address the entire team Monday morning. He said
Former BC coach and current Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone was in attendance. While O'Brien made it clear he doesn't tell Vrabel who to draft, he believes players he coached have a chance to last in the NFL.
O'Brien said it was also an opportunity for current BC players to see what the day is about and realize that they have a chance to reach that milestone. For quarterback Grayson James, who threw pinpoint passes to prospects with everyone watching, it's a potential glimpse into the near future.
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'They're coming here because they want to be around BC guys and see what they're all about,' O'Brien said. 'Maybe eventually they would draft them. I think that's a big part of today.'
⋅ Trapilo and Kendall have worked closely with former Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia over the past few months.
'He's a legend,' Kendall said. 'He's a Patriots legend. He's an NFL legend. He's an offensive line guru. It's just learning from him, focusing on a lot of things he saw in my game that I need to focus on.'
They've also trained with Chris Lindstrom, a former BC great and current All-Pro guard with the Atlanta Falcons.
⋅ O'Brien said Marrone spent a lot of time with Ezeiruaku last year to collaborate on a pass-rush plan.
'Donovan did a great job of putting that plan into action,' O'Brien said. 'He did an unbelievable job. He never quit, he never gave up. He actually won us a couple games single-handedly.'
⋅ Vrabel joins a growing list of NFL names who have spoken to the Eagles, including Julian Edelman and Matt Ryan. O'Brien continues to lean into his local roots and connections.
'It's a special opportunity to have someone like Mike come in and speak to the team,' O'Brien said.
Trevor Hass can be reached at