Quinn Meinerz boosts stock with impressive pro day

I wrote about Wisconsin-Whitewater offensive line prospect Quinn Meinerz last month because the LA Rams held a virtual meeting with him ahead of the draft season. Meinerz didn’t play in 2020 because of the pandemic and given his small school pedigree would rarely even be getting air time leading up to the draft, but a dominant performance at the Senior Bowl has him near the top of some day two wish lists.

His pro day might have him on some day one wish lists now.

There were 37 scouts from all 32 teams at the Whitewater pro day and they were there to see Meinerz. He responded with a 4.86 40-yard dash and a 1.73 10-yard split at 320 pounds. According to PFF, Meinerz is in the 99th percentile among interior offensive lineman for his 40-yard dash time, the 90th percentile for his vertical (32”) and broad jump (9’3), the 93rd percentile for his short shuttle (4.47) and the 97th percentile for his 3-cone (7.33).

Last year, Tristan Wirfs ran a 4.85 at 6’5, 320 lbs, and that was the fastest 40-yard dash for any 320+ lb player at the combine since at least 2000.

Now before anyone else mentions it, two of the four best 40-yard dash times by players weighing at least 320 lbs at the combine ended up being first round picks for the St. Louis Rams. Can you name them? Do you even want to?

The “good” news is that the Rams can’t draft Meinerz in the first round, but if he falls to them at pick 57, should LA attempt to shore up their interior by selecting the hottest small school prospect of the year? Or focus on other needs?