Thinner Parker can feel draft

Wednesday's Pro Day at the University of Tennessee featured at least two big bodies the Vols wouldn't mind having back for another season.

Defensive end Robert Ayers, projected by some to be a first-round pick in next month's NFL draft, turned heads again.

But of the 13 former UT players who ran through a series of drills at Neyland-Thompson Sports Center for NFL scouts, guard Anthony Parker and offensive tackle Ramon Foster are two the Vols might miss most.

Both players figure to be drafted next month.

"It's a great feeling," Parker said. "It's really just a blessing to be in this situation. Everyone dreams of playing in the NFL or the NBA as a little kid, so to be in this situation and have this opportunity is a great thing."

Foster said he's been told by team personnel to expect to hear his name called during the NFL draft April 25-26.

"They said they know I'd be drafted and know I'd make a team, so that's what I'm going off of right now," Foster said.

Parker's NFL future could require a change of position.

At close to 6-foot-2, he projects better as a center, where he played some in 2005 before moving to right guard in 2006. Since then, he started all but the 2007 Outback Bowl at guard, a total of 39 games.

Since leaving campus, he's trimmed down to 297 pounds. Although he was listed at 300 pounds last season, he played at a heavier weight.

He also participated in every drill except the bench press Wednesday, where he stood on the 24 repetitions of 225 pounds he posted at the NFL combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.08 seconds, nearly two-tenths of a second faster than the target time for most centers and guards.

Much of Wednesday's work was focused on improving on his combine numbers, which were affected somewhat by a high-ankle sprain he suffered during the third day of practice for the Senior Bowl in January.

"I didn't know if I was going to get to the combine at the time. But hey, everything happens for a reason," he said. "I took it for what it was, and while my ankle was down I improved on other things. It worked out both ways."

Foster, meanwhile, missed Wednesday's workout - something that rarely happened during his UT career. Sick with strep throat last week, the 6-5, 327-pound lineman did not work out for scouts.

After a strong showing in individual drills at the combine last month, he had hoped to bolster his 40-yard dash time. Instead, he attended the event and spoke with scouts.

"I think they took what they needed," Foster said. "One of the guys from the Patriots just said we got enough film of you. I guess it did matter, but it wasn't a big deal that I didn't do anything today."

There's plenty of film to dissect, too. Foster started his final 26 games at right tackle.

Foster left a big void at right tackle for the Vols, who continue spring practice today, although he's confident they'll find a suitable replacement.

"I'm wishing them well," he said. "I really want to see them do good. They got a little bit of maturity they got to get with that position being a little off right now, but I think they'll be fine. I saw a little bit of practice (Tuesday). They're fired up. I know they're running around and moving - and very physical. I'm liking it right now."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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