INDIANAPOLIS -- After one of the most impressive careers in Indiana program history, former IU All-American offensive lineman Dan Feeney is taking the next step.
A right guard for the majority of his Hoosier football career who also spent time at right tackle during his redshirt senior season, Feeney hopes to showcase his versatility while also leaving a lasting impression off-the-field at the NFL Combine this week.
"Everybody's kind of up in there, a little bit different,” Feeney said of NFL teams’ projections. “Probably interior more than tackle, but I'll play anywhere. It doesn't really matter to me."
Widely projected as a day one draft choice, the work Feeney does this week could lay the groundwork for a historic night in late April. The Hoosiers haven’t had a former player chosen in the first round since the New York Giants selected wide receiver Steve Lewis 24th overall in the 1994 NFL Draft.
To show that value, Feeney will try to build on both formal and informal interviews with teams as well as his on-field production.
The Orland Park, Illinois, native ran the 40-yard dash in 5.24 seconds, ninth among the 47 offensive linemen who tested Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. He also recorded 101 inches on his broad jump, good enough for a Top 25 finish within his position group.
Additionally, Feeney’s 28-inch vertical tied with three other offensive linemen for 10th-best among the 42 in the position group who participated in the drill. He performed strongest in the 3-cone drill, finishing tied for the third-fastest time at 7.52 seconds. Feeney also completed the 20-yard shuttle in 4.68 seconds, the eighth-fastest time for his position group.
“Dan Feeney is having a really solid day,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said during the network’s broadcast of on-field position drills Friday.
Feeney said he’s met with every NFL team so far but didn’t specify whether he was hearing from certain franchises more than others.
A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, Feeney wouldn’t mind being chose by the club but also said he will be satisfied wherever he lands.
The former IU right guard competed in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, in January, an opportunity which afforded him to showcase his talents in front of many NFL front office executives and scouts.
That experience was very important in preparing him for the NFL Combine week, he said.
“It's kind of almost the same stuff, just a little more intense now,” said Feeney when comparing the combine to the senior bowl. “We've got more meetings teams, coaches and position coaches and stuff like that. Being able to go to the senior bowl and get a taste of it before it actually happened, I think that was definitely a big advantage."
At the senior bowl, Feeney also spent time at center. This move also drew praise from Mayock during the NFL Network’s live broadcast.
“I like the fact that he kicked inside at the senior bowl, he showed he can play all three positions,” Mayock said. “He’s not going to test out of the roof, but I think at worst he’s a second-round offensive lineman that you plug and play day one."
Feeney has also relied on former Hoosier football teammate and current Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jason Spriggs for advice on combine week and the draft process as a whole.
Feeney said he’s been texting with Spriggs “a whole lot” and took a lot away from his experience at the combine last year.
“He's given me tips and tricks, just to kind of stay positive through this whole process, and then just keep consistent and be who you are,” Feeney said. “I got here for reason with a lot of help from teammates, coaches and family."
As for what kind of impression he wants to leave this week?
"I just want to show what I got,” Feeney said. “Talking to teams, just [them] seeing how I am in real life. Just talking, talking ball, talking home life and everything like that. Just seeing how I operate."
