(670 The Score) Inside the Walter Athletics Center along Northwestern's lakeside campus, a subdued feeling was setting in. It was March 10, and uncertainty was the backdrop of pro day workouts.
The coronavirus outbreak was ramping up its spread, and the NFL world was preparing to shut down. Scouts on hand were uneasy, shying away from the customary handshakes so common ahead of the NFL Draft. Many understood Northwestern's pro day would be their last for this year.
As North Central quarterback Broc Rutter participated in Northwestern's pro day -- a week after working out at Northern Illinois' pro day -- he began to realize the significance of the coronavirus and what was ahead. He also realized how fortunate he was to have that last opportunity in front of scouts.
"I'm grateful I got them in," Rutter said. "I thought I did a good job showing I belong."
Other prospects weren't so lucky. NFL teams began taking their scouts off the road by March 11, a day after Northwestern's workouts were held, and the vast majority of pro days were canceled as colleges shuttered their campuses and sent students home.
The NFL Draft is proceeding as scheduled, starting Thursday and running through Saturday. And without pro days and private workouts, teams will likely favor prospects hailing from top programs over those from smaller schools.
That's the context in which Rutter is eyeing his NFL dream. He shattered the Division-III record for career passing yards with 14,265 and led North Central to a national championship last season. But NFL teams figure to view his tape with skepticism, which is why Rutter wanted the opportunity to throw for scouts. He was the lone quarterback working out at Northwestern and had many eyes on his throwing session.
"I really wanted to go out and prove that I have a strong enough arm, that I'm accurate enough," Rutter said.
Rutter made a strong impression in his pro day workouts and has maintained contact with nine teams. Some have sought out additional medical information from Rutter, a key component ahead of this draft.
In addition to showing teams his arm strength, Rutter hoped to convey his leadership abilities that helped North Central to its national championship. Having grown up a Packers fan in Naperville, he studied how Aaron Rodgers leads.
"Just the leadership ability, the moxie," Rutter said. "Every quarterback has a little bit of an edge about them."
After the draft is finished, the NFL will enter an offseason of unknowns. There will likely be no on-field work before training camp, which is still scheduled for July. It's possible there's a rookie minicamp to be held later this summer, but rookies entering the NFL will be at a major disadvantage compared to veterans this year.
Rutter was fortunate to prove himself in those pro day workouts before the NFL's pre-draft process came to a halt and the world shut down. The league is hopeful it can conduct its operations with some semblance of normalcy soon enough.
All Rutter wants is a chance to prove his place in the NFL.
"It would be a huge honor for me to get an opportunity," he said. "It's something I've dreamed of my whole life."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
