Looking back at Dee Ford’s pro day highlights
By Matt Conner
Four years ago the Kansas City Chiefs were enamored with the skills and athleticism of Dee Ford. Here’s a reminder of what they loved.
Given that we’re in the midst of one pro day after another in the lead up to the 2017 NFL Draft, we often forget that these single drills — an incredible vertical leap, a blazing 40-yard dash, a startling 60-yard shuttle — can make the difference in the lives of players and in the trajectories of teams.
Dee Ford wasn’t on the radar for the Kansas City Chiefs in any mock drafts leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft. What we didn’t realize was that behind-the-scenes, John Dorsey decided that the Auburn pass rusher was the prospect he wanted after his first full year of draft research with the Chiefs. Remember that Dorsey was hired early in 2013, which means that particular draft only had a few months of prep available working with a new staff and communicating with a new owner and head coach.
In 2014, however, Dorsey loved Dee Ford and his 10.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss his final year with the Tigers. To get an idea of what Dorsey saw in that pre-draft preparation, we went back to find Ford’s own pro day performance and interview session. Here’s the highlights.
Ford has certainly taken a bit to round into form as a three-down linebacker, but he’s definitey making the leaps year upon year. After last season’s breakout with 10 sacks, the Chiefs will be looking for more from Ford. And who knows? Maybe it’s all thanks to this particular pro
day at Auburn.