LINCOLN, Neb. -- Randy Gregory was a standout defensive end for Nebraska. It didn't stop him from showing off his skills at outside linebacker during Thursday's pro day with the NFL draft less than two months away.
"Honestly, I feel a little bit more comfortable with that," Gregory said. "You get that natural athletic stance and get to show your athleticism. I'm always excited to do linebacker drills and I thought I did real well today."
Gregory didn't run the 40-yard-dash Thursday and instead focused on drills he hopes show off his versatility.
"There's a lot more different things I can do than just rush the passer," Gregory said. "A lot of guys, you can draft them for one specific role. I feel like me, they can almost mold me into any player they want."
Gregory, who met with team representatives immediately after the pro day ended, said some are talking to him about playing linebacker in 3-4 systems and defensive end for 4-3 teams. He said he has come prefer linebacker.
"It kind of reminds you of basketball," he said. "You see plays develop better. In my opinion, it's just an all-around better position. But at the same time, I want to able to play a 4-3. The teams that play 4-3, play a d-end, I want to be able to do that."
Huskers running back Ameer Abdullah came to the pro day hoping to improve the 4.6-second 40-yard-dash time he ran at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. He didn't know his exact time from Thursday's run but said, "I heard a lot 4.4s"
Abdullah, who was one of the standouts at the combine, also did field drills and caught passes Thursday.
"I'm a competitor," he said. "Any time you can get in front of scouts and the professional eyes you should take advantage of that opportunity. I didn't do everything today. But I feel like I came out here and did what I wanted to do and showed what I wanted to show."
Abdullah said he went to Indianapolis expecting to be the top running back and he says that carries beyond the drills and tests.
I think I'm the best back in this class," Abdullah said. "I'm not really worried about anyone else. Whoever goes first goes first, after that once you hear your name called, it's time to get to work, no matter where you're drafted."