A couple of years ago, Arizona State wasn’t exactly circled on the NFL scouting calendar. But that’s not the case in 2026 as 31 of 32 NFL teams showed up on the Sun Devils’ Pro Day. For head coach Kenny Dillingham, this is the first time in his 15 years that he’s seen a turnout as big as this. And he’s feeling hopeful.
“Hopefully, it continues to be a norm here that scouts know that this is where you come and you’re going to find NFL talent,” Kenny Dillingham told the media after ASU’s huge NFL exposure.
His statement shows how Arizona State is pitching itself now as a place that feeds the league. And then he delivered advice for the NFL-bound ASU stars if they get drafted.
“Whether they’re drafted, whether they’re not drafted, you’re going to put on a helmet,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you get drafted. Doesn’t matter where you go. If you get a helmet, it’s yours to lose.”
And judging by who showed up, the NFL is buying in.
ASU’s pro day drew a massive turnout, with 31/32 teams present and multiple head coaches and GMs on hand. Kenny Dillingham is thrilled with that growth:
“Hopefully it continues to be the norm here. That scouts know this is where you come and find NFL talent.”@SunDevilSource pic.twitter.com/Br4Kc9WELl
— Jakob Brooks (@Jakobrooks) March 27, 2026
The first NFL head coach to be spotted on ASU Pro Day was New England Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel, as reported by The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. The Atlanta Falcons were also present with Kevin Stefanski, GM Ian Cunningham, and Matt Ryan. Then there’s GM Ryan Poles from the Chicago Bears and GM Monti Ossenfort from the Arozonak Cardinals. Later on, the crowd also spotted the New York Giants’ head coach John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen in the mix.
If you look at what Kenny Dillingham’s squad has to offer, the widespread interest is understandable starting with WR Jordyn Tyson. He already has coveted traits like smooth routes and elite ball tracking but his health could be a setback. Multiple injuries have made him volatile on draft boards and he could go top 10 or slide.
Then there’s Keith Abney, coming off a season with 44 tackles and 12 pass breakups. Chamon Metayer put together a strong season with 38 catches, 375 yards, and four scores. Up front, Justin Wodtly closed his career with a six-game sack streak, while Jacob Kongaika kept ASU D-lines functional. But even with all that talent on display, one storyline started to separate itself.
Mike Vrabel personally tests ASU OT
The most intriguing prospect on Mike Vrabel’s radar is the former ASU OT, Max Iheanachor. He literally stepped in to test the 6’6, 321-pound wall as they worked hand placement and engaged in drills. It’s rare for coaches to directly participate with players on pro day so that carries weight. The former 3x Super Bowl LB hasn’t played since 2010 but he still got it. And he looked impressed with the 22-year-old’s resilience.
“It was definitely fun,” he told the media. “[Mike Vrabel] had some keys for me. It’s really a big blessing for me to learn from him and him being hands on and telling me what I need to work on… After the combine, I went in for a visit with them. Very familiar with that coaching staff and everybody.”
Mike Vrabel has done this before, too, working with prospects like Will Campbell and getting hands-on at other pro days. New England got him in the 2025 NFL draft so this is an interesting development to watch.
