Patriots QB Ryan Mallett Recently Threw At Arkansas' Pro Day
 |
As Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett approaches a contract year, it appears he may be trying to increase his value a bit in the event he's eventually no longer backing up Tom Brady after this season.
USA Today reports that the veteran QB recently saw an opportunity to perform in front of NFL decision-makers and took it, appearing at Arkansas' recent Pro Day. The Razorbacks alumni was spotted throwing passes to receivers Mallett Javontee Herndon, Julian Horton, Austin Tate and Kiero Small in front of a host of NFL scouts, which was within his ability to do so as the NFL states if a college program doesn’t have a quarterback or enough wide receivers to run a full pro day, they can pull from surrounding universities or alumni.
According to a report from CBS Sports, Mallett's performance was described as simply "OK", with a source who attended the workout telling the website that Mallett's time in the NFL has not translated into a better build and "he remains gangly and looked 'weak physically.'"
The report also said Mallett's most impressive passes on the day were deep outs and go routes, which are two of the more valued throws in today's NFL.
Mallett attended Arkansas from 2008 to ’10 before being drafted by New England in the 3rd round (74th overall) back in 2011.
There has been some speculation that Mallett could potentially end up being reunited with former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who is now the head coach of the Houston Texans. That seems to be the most popular potential landing spot for Mallett, as the Texans own the No. 1 overall selection in May's NFL draft and may decide not to select a QB with the top pick.
