Ward, McLendon shines at Colorado's 2024 Pro Day

Former Buffs try to leave a lasting impression on NFL scouts

Jason Jones/BuffsBeat

There was a mix of NFL scouts and media at Colorado's 2024 Pro Day in the Indoor Practice Facility on Tuesday. They got to watch ten former Buffs participate in drills in the weight room and on the field. Taijh Alston, Javon Antonio, Jordan Domineck, Derrick McLendon, Juwan Mitchell, Leonard Payne Jr., Blake Stenstrom, Kavosiey Smoke, Rodrick Ward, and Noah Young made up the entire list. 

Ward and McLendon were the ones who stole the show with numbers comparable to those at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Three of Ward’s marks would have ranked top six among all safeties, if he had competed at the combine. The Southern Utah transfer recorded 18 reps on the bench press which puts him fourth in that category. Ward then put up a 10’6” broad jump that also ranks fourth and a 4.47 40-yard dash which ranks sixth, according to CU Athletics. 

The physical defender was part of Deion Sanders' surge from the transfer portal during the offseason. He notched 52 total tackles, 2 PDUs, and a forced fumble in 2023. It was a continuation of his time at SUU by racking up 74 total tackles (3 for loss), five interceptions with 12 PDUs, and a fumble recovery in 28 games. He earned All-WAC honors two years ago. 

McLendon might have come out early, but didn't disappoint. The Florida State transfer notched a 10’ mark in the broad jump and a 35” vertical jump, which were both top ten measurements among defensive ends. He had the third-highest vertical jump and second-farthest broad jump out of the nine Buffs that participated on the day, according to CU Athletics.  

Overall, the former Noles standout ended his collegiate career with 71 tackles and seven sacks and four fumble recoveries in 50 games between Colorado and FSU. 

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place the same weekend as CU's Spring Game. 'Welcome to the NFL' opening night kicks off on Thursday, April 25th in Detroit.