Will Pauling Shines at Notre Dame Pro Day, Elevating NFL Draft Prospects
Will Pauling, the former Wisconsin Badger, put on a show at Notre Dame's Pro Day, turning heads and boosting his NFL draft stock. Once considered an undrafted prospect, Pauling's performance has scouts reconsidering his potential as a late-round pick. His speed, agility, and explosiveness set him apart, even among players projected as top picks.
Despite his athletic prowess, Pauling's production on the field has been modest, with only 26 catches for 381 yards this past season. However, his six touchdowns highlight a knack for finding the end zone. These intangibles make him an intriguing prospect for teams willing to take a chance on his athletic potential.
Pauling's Pro Day numbers were nothing short of spectacular. He posted a 42" vertical leap and a blazing 4.37-second 40-yard dash.
To put that in perspective, his vertical would have ranked second among receivers at the NFL Combine, and his 40-yard dash would have tied for ninth. His 10’8” broad jump, 4.31-second shuttle, and 7.01-second 3-cone drill further underscore his top-tier athleticism.
These standout performances have made Pauling the talk of the Pro Day, capturing the attention of scouts and analysts alike. The big question now is whether his athletic gifts can translate to the NFL level, especially considering his most productive college season came as a redshirt sophomore at Wisconsin, where he tallied 74 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns.
Pauling has done everything in his power to control his destiny, significantly enhancing his draft appeal. As teams evaluate their options, Pauling's Pro Day heroics have certainly put him on the radar.