After initially impressing in the NFL Combine a number of weeks ago, the Irish contingent that are all vying for an Elusive NFL contract have been going from strength to strength, with their latest actions at the NFL Pro Day taking them even closer to contracts.
While there has been plenty of talk about the three GAA stars stateside and Rory Beggan's perfect pro day appearance, former Connacht fullback Darragh Leader's insane bench-pressing feat has gone relatively unnoticed.
Leader who is also part of this year's NFL International Player Pathway travelled Stateside with the GAA stars hoping to land a contract as a punter but unfortunately saw his participation in the combine and pro day seriously limited by injury.
27 April 2019; Darragh Leader of Connacht warms up prior to the Guinness PRO14 Round 21 match between Munster and Connacht at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Darragh Leader stands out with insane bench press reps
READ ALSO: Leinster Rugby Makes Incredibly Random Appearance On WWE Broadcast
Similar to the combine, the NFL Pro Day affords scouts the chance to see players run through a variety of different athletic and physical tests ahead of drafting new players into the league.
While Darragh Leader was unable to perform the punting tasks as a result of injury, he absolutely shone in the bench press, completing a ridiculous 23 reps at 102.5kg. A feat just two short of the all-time punter record and higher than any linebacker, defensive back or wide receiver at the 2024 combine.
.@DarraghLeader is a monster!! 23 reps of 102.5KG in the bench press, two off the record for a punter! 🇮🇪
📹 @TadhgLeader pic.twitter.com/Uva11Gy0W2— NFL UK (@NFLUK) March 20, 2024
To put that into context Leader weighs around 100kg, so bench pressed over his weight 23 times leaving everyone else at the combine for dust. Darragh Leader wasn't the only professional rugby player there either, with Welsh sensation Louis Rees Zammit jumping in to congratulate the Connacht star.
Leader was joined stateside by Monaghan's Rory Beggan, Down's Charlie Smyth and Wicklow's Mark Jackson all impressing NFL scouts over the last couple of weeks. While the crew were initially set to return to Ireland immediately after the combine, their performances that day garnered enough interest from scouts to warrant staying put in America.
This season will be the first where clubs will be eligible to name an additional 17th roster spot on its practice squad, provided it's reserved for an international player. Additionally, it is the first season where kickers/punters will take in IPP program.
The rule changes are expected to lead to an increase in the number of punters signed, as it will allow them to familiarise a kicker with the squad without using up a valuable roster spot on often rarely-used players.
Both Jackson and Smyth impressed at the NFL combine and on Wednesday's Pro Day, but it was Monaghan legend Rory Beggan who really threw himself into contention for a contract, following up his impressive combine performance by scoring 10/10 of his kicks at the Pro Day. With the weeks ticking on, it is seeming ever more likely that Beggan will be signed by an NFL side ahead of the season start.
SEE ALSO: Rory Beggan Takes Giant Leap Towards NFL Contract With Stellar Pro Day
