Jarryd Hayne set to pick NFL team tonight

A projected running back and kick returner, Hayne was named the best player in the National Rugby League last season before retiring from the sport to pursue a football career. The New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets have also shown interest in Hayne. Hayne recently ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds. His time would rank him sixth among running backs from the NFL scouting combine, including Michigan State’s Jeremy Langford (4.42), Florida State’s Karlos Williams (4.48), Texas A&M’s Trey Williams (4.49), Northern Iowa’s David Johnson (4.50) and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon (4.52). Other teams that attended his Pro Day at the University of San Diego or requested video included the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. The 6-foot-2, 226 pounder had a 1.59 10-yard split and  4.29 20-yard shuttle. The running back drills were run by retired NFL running backs and offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon. Hayne trained at Jay Glazer’s Unbroken workout facility. He also had several kick return sessions, including catching punts from Sav Rocca and Mat McBriar while being tutored by Darren Bennett and Tim Dwight. “I got to work with Jarryd for three weeks and I was very impressed with his skill set,” Shelmon said. “He has a tall, linear build that reminds of one of my former players, Chris Warren. Like Chris, he has exceptional hands, good feet and runs tall. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly he caught on for never having played the game before. “He has natural ball skills and catches the ball naturally. I am convinced he can help a team out immediately in the punt and kickoff return game, and eventually make it as a running back.” Follow me on Twitter: @RavensInsider Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun