As the 2020 NFL Combine continues, players are expressing their desires to be viewed as all-around athletes that can adapt to any playbook or franchise. SMU wide receiver James Proche is proving that his size shouldn’t be a negative factor in the NFL.
Proche weighed in at 6-foot and 185 pounds, he’s considered undersized when compared to many in this draft class. His size didn’t stop him from putting up big numbers while at SMU, with 457 targets over his career. He saved his best for his senior season with 120 catches for 1311 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Proche spoke to Chiefs Wire contributor Ed Easton Jr. during his podium session where he revealed a unique interaction with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the NFL Scouting Combine.
SMU’s James Proche talks about being a diverse/balanced receiver and being inspired by WR Jarvis Landry #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/4ZNysPMzP4
— Ed Easton Jr. (@EdEastonJr) February 25, 2020
Chiefs CEO and Chairman, Clark Hunt, happens to be an SMU Alumni. He graduated from SMU in 1987 as a two time Academic All-American and captain of the nationally-ranked soccer team. Proche recently became aware of this and met Hunt ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine.
“I just met him a couple of weeks ago,” Proche told Chiefs Wire.
It’s rather unique for a player in the upcoming draft to meet NFL ownership beforehand, but you can rest assured that the Chiefs’ front office is also aware of Proche. He’s out to prove that he’s one of the most versatile receivers in this draft class and capable of adapting to the needs of any offensive system.
“I’m a football player,” Proche said. “I feel like I’m a very diverse receiver and balanced. I’m not trying to limit myself because you never know where you might end up, so I try to diversify myself for any opportunity.”
Right now, Proche is looking to model his game after Cleveland Browns WR Jarvis Landry. They have similar builds, but the mindset is something that he hopes to adapt to his playstyle.
“He’s got that dog mentality,” Proche said. “Being that we’re similar in stature, you gotta bring that dog. A lot of receivers get labeled as divas but I feel like he’s kinda changing that narrative and that’s something I want to follow.”
Proche is excited for the opportunity to work out during the combine as he continues to prove that he deserves to be on every team’s radar. A spot with the Chiefs would be a compelling possibility, as Proche has come into the combine process with a similar chip on his shoulder to the one that the Chiefs displayed during their championship season.