Cincinnati Bearcats Shine at 2024 Big 12 Pro Day: NFL Draft Prospects Analyzed Slug: cincinnati-bearcats-big12-pro-day-nfl-draft

 

 

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Cincinnati Bearcats Showcase Depth and Talent at 2024 Big 12 Pro Day

The Cincinnati Bearcats football program made a resounding statement at the 2024 Big 12 Pro Day, held March 18–21 at the Dallas Cowboys’ Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. Fourteen players, including three NFL Combine invitees, participated in drills televised nationally on NFL Network, underscoring the program’s growing influence in the Power Four conference landscape. This event marked Cincinnati’s second Pro Day since joining the Big 12 in 2023, a transition that has amplified exposure for its athletes. With scouts from all 32 NFL teams in attendance, the Bearcats’ contingent aimed to build on the program’s recent draft success, which includes 14 picks since 2018, headlined by 2022 first-rounder Sauce Gardner. The Pro Day served as a critical platform for players like running back Corey Kiner and offensive lineman Luke Kandra, who entered with Combine momentum, as well as under-the-radar prospects seeking to solidify their draft stock. Below, we break down standout performances, contextualize results with industry data, and evaluate potential NFL trajectories.

Corey Kiner and Luke Kandra: Cincinnati’s Top Draft Hopefuls

Running back Corey Kiner (5’9”, 209 lbs) solidified his reputation as a durable, high-effort player at the Pro Day. After posting a 4.57s 40-yard dash (19th among Big 12 Combine participants) and 19 bench press reps (2nd among RBs at the Pro Day), Kiner’s 4.44s shuttle run in Frisco highlighted his agility. His back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Cincinnati—a feat achieved by only four other Bearcats—reflect his consistency, though his NFL.com rating as an “average backup/special teams player” suggests a Day 3 ceiling. Historically, Cincinnati RBs have carved out niche roles: Jerome Ford (2022 5th-round pick) tallied 1,081 all-purpose yards for the Browns in 2023. Kiner’s 87.3 elusive rating (4th in Big 12, per Pro Football Focus) and 35 forced missed tackles align with Ford’s collegiate profile. “His lateral quickness and power in short-yardage situations make him a valuable committee back,” noted ESPN’s Field Yates.

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Luke Kandra (6’5”, 319 lbs) emerged as Cincinnati’s most intriguing prospect. His 33 bench press reps at the Combine tied for 3rd among all offensive linemen, and his Pro Day vertical leap (32.5”) topped all Big 12 linemen—surpassing the guard average of 28.5”. Kandra’s 82.1 pass-blocking grade (2nd in Big 12) and 9’5” broad jump (3rd among OL) underscore his explosiveness. Despite a “bottom round/practice squad” label from NFL.com, his testing numbers compare favorably to 2023 draft picks like Oklahoma’s Wanya Morris (Chiefs, 3rd round), who posted 27 bench reps and a 29” vertical. “Kandra’s athleticism fits modern zone-blocking schemes,” said The Draft Network’s Damian Parson. With 68% of Combine-invited OL drafted since 2020 (per NFL.com), Kandra’s versatility could secure a late-round selection.

John Williams, Dartanyan Tinsley, and Xzavier Henderson: Underrated Contributors

Guard John Williams (6’4”, 322 lbs) and tackle Dartanyan Tinsley (6’4”, 336 lbs) bolstered Cincinnati’s offensive line reputation. Williams’ 29 bench reps at the Combine ranked 12th among tackles, while his Pro Day max acceleration (2.66 m/s²) trailed only Kandra among Bearcats linemen. Tinsley, though projected as an undrafted free agent by NFLMockDraftDatabase.com, led all Pro Day OL with 30 bench reps—a figure that would’ve placed 5th among Combine guards. His 5.48s 40-yard dash, while middling, mirrors 2023 UDFA Tyler Steen (Alabama), who started six games for the Eagles.

Wide receiver Xzavier Henderson (6’3”, 200 lbs) faced mixed results. His 4.7s 40-yard dash ranked 25th among Big 12 receivers, but his 10’6” broad jump (5th) and 34.5” vertical (11th) suggest untapped upside. Henderson’s 12.3 yards per catch in 2023 lagged behind Combine standouts like Texas’ Xavier Worthy (14.6), but his 59 receptions demonstrate reliability. “He’s a contested-catch specialist who could thrive in a possession role,” said Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller. Since 2020, 22% of Day 3 WRs have become primary starters (PFF), giving Henderson a plausible path.

Jared Bartlett, Eric Phillips, and Defensive Standouts

Linebacker Jared Bartlett (6’1”, 237 lbs) turned heads with a 21.70 mph max velocity at Pro Day, nearing Penn State’s Adisa Isaac (21.9 mph at Combine). His 7.5 sacks in 2023 ranked 4th in the Big 12, outpacing Texas’ Barryn Sorrell (5.0). Though labeled a projected UDFA, Bartlett’s 11.5 tackles for loss align with 2023 5th-round pick DJ Johnson (Oregon), who recorded 6.0 sacks for the Panthers.

On the defensive line, Eric Phillips (6’3”, 260 lbs) clocked a 4.81s 40-yard dash (5th among DL) and a 7.25s three-cone drill, showcasing agility rare for his size. His 14.4s shuttle time ranked 9th, comparable to 2023 7th-round pick MJ Anderson (Iowa State). Safety Josh Minkins (6’2”, 200 lbs) bolstered his case with a 38” vertical (5th among DBs), exceeding the safety average of 35.5”. Minkins’ two interceptions in 2023, though modest, mirror Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr.’s final collegiate stats (3 INTs).

Special Teams and Draft Outlook

Kicker Nathan Hawks (6’2”, 210 lbs) solidified his case as a UDFA after converting 13-of-17 field goals (76.5%), including three from 50+ yards. His 50-yard accuracy ties him with 2023 draft pick Jake Moody (49ers), who hit 76.9% at Michigan. While kicker metrics weren’t published at Pro Day, Hawks’ leg strength aligns with NFL trends favoring youth: 63% of active kickers entered the league as UDFAs.

As the NFL Draft approaches (April 24–26), projections suggest Corey Kiner and Luke Kandra as potential Day 3 picks, while others like Henderson and Bartlett may sign UDFA deals. Cincinnati’s Pro Day reinforced its reputation as a developmental hub, with 12 Combine invites since 2021—a 33% increase from its AAC era. “This program is building NFL-ready talent through rigorous testing prep,” said NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Whether drafted or signed post-Draft, the Bearcats’ 2024 class is poised to extend Cincinnati’s NFL footprint.