A total of 18 teams were on hand Thursday to watch Mississippi State’s pro day, where the performance of DT Fletcher Cox likely cemented his status as a late first-round pick.

The defensive line coaches for the Steelers and Chiefs were on hand, as well as Packers director of college scouting John Dorsey, who usually shows up at a workout when there’s a prospect he’s interested in.

In all, 16 players worked out indoors on artificial turf.

Vick Ballard, RB (5-foot-10 1/8, 215 pounds) — He ran 4.55- and 4.53-second 40-yard dashes and had a 6.99-second three-cone drill. Ballard looked very good in a blitz pick-up drill and caught the ball well. He has good quickness and really helped himself with this workout.  He would probably be picked at the top of the second round if he were a lineman, but will probably be picked in the third round despite being a second-round talent. He’s a top-10 back overall.

Cox, DT (6-3 3/4, 299) — Had a 26-inch vertical and a 9-foot broad jump. Looked good in the drills and showed a lot of quickness while moving very well. He’s now a lower first-round pick. He’s comparable to Memphis DT Dontari Poe but not quite as strong or fast.

Charles Mitchell, SS (5-10 3/4) — He ran 4.52 and 4.58 in the 40, had a 37 1/2 vertical, a 10-5 broad jump, 4.32 short shuttle, 6.99 three-cone drill and 19 reps in the bench press. Mitchell has really quick feet and showed the ability to turn and run. At the end of the day he projects to be a second-day draft pick.

Quentin Saulsberry, G (6-2 5/8, 305) — He posted 5.38 and 5.40 in the 40, had a  24-inch vertical, 8-6 broad jump, 4.93 short shuttle and 7.95 three-cone drill.  He’s a good football player who has a good chance of playing in the NFL, but his lack of height means he won’t be drafted until the sixth or seventh round.

Carl Lawrence, OT (6-3 7/8, 303) — He ran times of 5.22 and 5.24 in the 40, had a 28-inch vertical, 9-2 broad jump, 7.57 three-cone drill and 4.69 in the short shuttle.

James Carmon, OL (6-5 3/4, 330) — He posted 5.33 and 5.39 in the 40, a 26-inch vertical, 9-foot broad jump, 7.73 three-cone drill, 4.80 short shuttle and 22 bench press reps. Carmon, and Lawrence got themselves drafted from the workouts simply because they’re big with long arms. Both are third-day selections.

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