18 former Broncos make their NFL case at 2026 Pro Day

Scouts from nearly every NFL franchise attended Boise State's 2026 Pro Day to evaluate overlooked prospects

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting various football players and training equipment in a fractured, multi-perspective style, using shades of blue, gold, and white to capture the energy and intensity of the event.Boise State's Pro Day allowed overlooked prospects to showcase their skills and make their case for the 2026 NFL Draft.Boise Today

On March 23, 18 former Boise State Broncos football players showcased their skills in front of scouts from 26 NFL teams at the university's 2026 Pro Day. The event gave these overlooked prospects a chance to prove their worth and make their case as potential draftees, with standout performances from players like defensive back Zion Washington and defensive lineman Braxton Fely.

Why it matters

Boise State is not typically seen as a football powerhouse, so the Pro Day gives these players a critical opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potential to NFL teams that may not have closely scouted them during their college careers. Strong showings can boost their draft stock and chances of getting signed.

The details

The Pro Day kicked off with vertical jump and bench press drills, where Zion Washington impressed with a 41.5-inch vertical leap and Braxton Fely put up 38 reps on the bench press. The event then moved to the 40-yard dash, where Washington ran a lightning-fast 4.39 seconds, the best time of the day. Other standouts included offensive tackle Kage Casey, tight end Matt Lauter, and defensive back Jeremiah 'Jay Boogie' Earby. In total, 18 former Broncos participated, looking to prove their worth to NFL scouts and secure opportunities at the next level.

  • The Pro Day took place on March 23, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.

The players

Zion Washington

A defensive back from Frisco, Texas who had a standout performance, including a 41.5-inch vertical jump and a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. He finished his redshirt senior season with 66 total tackles and four Academic All-Mountain West selections.

Braxton Fely

A defensive lineman who impressed with 38 reps on the bench press, reflecting his brute strength. He was a two-time All-Mountain West honoree who recorded 5.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in his senior season.

Kage Casey

The only Boise State player invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Casey is an offensive tackle who continued to showcase his skills at the Pro Day, including a 31-inch vertical jump.

Matt Lauter

A tight end who set the single-season record for receptions by a Boise State tight end in 2024 with 47 catches for 619 yards and 7 touchdowns. He posted an elite 7.02-second time in the three-cone drill.

Jeremiah 'Jay Boogie' Earby

A defensive back known for his speed, Earby ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and defended 13 passes in 2025, tied for the most in the Mountain West Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever God blesses me with. I know I'll get an opportunity and it just depends on how I go about the opportunity that's going to really matter. From here on out, I'm just preparing for the next step.”

— Zion Washington, Defensive Back

“I'll give you my all. I'm a hard worker. I know a lot of people say that, but when it comes down to it, that's one of the things that I emphasize my gameplay on. Just giving my all for the people around me.”

— Braxton Fely, Defensive Lineman

“It's super special coming back in here. We put a ton of hard work into this program. It just feels like home again.”

— Matt Lauter, Tight End

What’s next

The 18 former Broncos will continue to train and refine their skills as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.

The takeaway

Boise State may not be considered a traditional football powerhouse, but these 18 former Broncos proved they have the talent and potential to compete at the next level. Their strong showings at the Pro Day could help boost their draft stock and open doors to NFL opportunities, demonstrating the program's ability to develop overlooked prospects.