Ostman discusses NFL Draft Combine snub, successful Pro Day
Senior defensive lineman Joe Ostman poses for a portrait on Mar. 16 in the Indoor Athletic Center.
When the National Scouting Combine picked members to workout at Lucas Oil Stadium from Feb. 27 to March 5, Central Michigan defensive end Joe Ostman was left off the list.
“I’m not on the NFL Combine committee, but I think he should’ve made it,” said tight end Tyler Conklin, who was invited to the combine. “He was second in the nation with sacks, only missed two games and had a great overall career.”
Even though the 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive lineman didn’t make the NFL Combine, Ostman said he was thankful for the opportunity to work out at CMU’s Pro Day March 16.
“I’m relieved I was able to perform pretty well,” Ostman said. “Overall, it was a pretty good day. I was flexible and my body was ready.
“I will continue to work hard. I want to make a team, start in the NFL and get going on my career. I’ll keep working at it and see what happens.”
Conklin believed Ostman should have been on the list for the combine. However, CMU head coach John Bonamego believes Ostman’s absence was due to few question marks from NFL scouts.
“Guys get invited because they have holes in their resume,” Bonamego said. “We only see the workout, but the important piece is the medical piece. The other part is character assessment in interviews.
“With Joe, there weren’t a lot of question marks. He is clean and healthy and there are no questions with his character. They probably had a lot of those questions answered at the East-West game.”
Moving to a linebacker in a 3-4 defense, Ostman said he is ready to accept the challenge and take on a new position in order to get a chance in the professional league.
“I stood up on the end in high school and am very comfortable in a 3-4 linebacker position,” Ostman said. “I hope to be able to play that at the next level.”
Bonamego has no doubt in his leader to make the switch with fluidity. He doesn't think Ostman will miss a beat.
“I think Joe is a guy who can do anything that he sets his mind to,” Bonamego said. “These guys know what they are doing and what they are looking for.”
Since he did not make the NFL Combine, Ostman has been in Tampa, Florida training at Applied Science and Performance Institute with trainer Yo Murphy.
“I feel like I had a good week at the Shrine game and was able to prove myself, which you have to do coming from a small school,” Ostman said. “I feel like I’ve been able to prove myself to a point.”
Ostman was recruited by former CMU head coach Dan Enos in the 2013 class out of LaSalle High School in St. Ignace, Michigan. Ostman was a two-star prospect and said he is grateful for the opportunity to become a Chippewa.
“My first offer here was amazing,” Ostman said. “I am very thankful to have Dan Enos and Coach Bonamego help me in this process at CMU. There’s a lot of memories and I’m thankful for everything.”
Conklin said Ostman could be the biggest steal in the 2018 NFL Draft.
“At the end of the day, he’s going to be a great football player,” Conklin said. “Whoever gets him will be lucky.”
