There is no way around it: Size matters in the NFL. That said, every so often a player outside the normal physical parameters is able to defy the odds and make his way to the NFL.

Georgia LB Rennie Curran (5-foot-10 5/8, 229 pounds) is trying to become the next prospect to do just that. Vikings Director of College Scouting Scott Studwell spent a significant amount of time working him out at Georgia’s pro day on March 16, and he is trying to prove to scouts his athletic ability and instincts outweigh his diminutive stature.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.65 and 4.73 seconds, had a 35-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 4-inch broad jump, a 4.40-second short shuttle, a 7.34-second three-cone drill and did 27 bench press repetitions at 225 pounds. Those numbers are comparable to the better linebackers in the draft.

In all, 26 team representatives, including three defensive line coaches, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and Falcons coach Mike Smith, were on hand to watch prospects work out outdoors on FieldTurf. Georgia only allowed the players to run with the wind.

Here is a look at how the four other noteworthy players performed:

DT Geno Atkins (6-1, 293), stood on everything from the combine, and did position drills.

S Reshad Jones (6-0 1/8, 209) ran a 4.53 and 4.47 in the 40, did 22 bench press reps and did position workouts.

DT Jeff Owens (6-1, 300) ran a 4.95 and 4.94 in the 40, had a 9-2 broad jump and a 4.68 short shuttle.

CB Prince Miller (5-8 3/8, 192) ran 4.39 and 4.43 in the 40, had a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 9-8 broad jump, a 4.15 short shuttle, a 6.74 three-cone drill and did 22 bench press reps. He looked really good.

– Gil Brandt

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