Putting a face to the film at UGA Pro Day

ATHENS - Fans may fawn over the 40-yard dash, analysts may drool over drill results, but one of the real benefits of something like Georgia's Pro Day is hidden in plain sight.

"I try to introduce myself to everyone on this field," said former Bulldogs linebacker Jake Ganus. "I've got nothing to lose, I want everyone to know a face with the name."

In addition to the on-field work and tests in the gym, there's plenty of talking at Georgia's Pro Day. There are interviews after the workouts are done, plus all kinds of chatting on the field, just letting coaches and scouts get a better sense of who the players are.

"You contrast it with the [NFL Scouting] Combine, you get a chance to see guys in their own element, right?" said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff. "They're around their teammates, you see how they interact, you see how people cheer for them."

The Falcons brought a large contingent of team staff to Athens, including head coach Dan Quinn who was seen talking to Bulldogs receiver Malcolm Mitchell after the wideout finished catching passes.

"He didn't tell me he was going to draft me!" joked Mitchell.

Quinn said he's admired the former Georgia standout for playing both sides of the ball.

Asked if talking on the field is to get to know the player or just to make small talk, Quinn said it's: "A little bit of both. One, I wanted to make sure he knew we support him. Just wanted to say respect for his career."

Players, of course, know this is coming, and know every word and handshake could be factored into a team's opinion on them. While training for the NFL Scouting Combine and other workouts, football training facilities often instruct players on how to handle interviews. Teams, in response, try to get past the cliche answers.

"They want to break past the wall that you sort of get taught at your training facility," said former UGA linebacker Jordan Jenkins. "They really want to get to know you personally, see what kind of person you are."