Jachai Polite: Combine debacle 'a major learning experience'

Jachai Polite learned the hard way that the NFL means business.

The Florida defensive end was thought to be a lock for the first round of the draft when he attended the NFL Scouting Combine in February. However, disastrous interviews and an admission that he never studied tape of himself quickly diminished his stock.

"It's been pretty tough, but it's a major learning experience for me, something I've never been through in my life," Polite said Wednesday after taking part in Florida's pro day, according to ESPN's Mike DiRocco. "I just keep learning every day. Nobody in my family has been through anything like this, so I had nobody to help me, really, other than my agent. But I never knew how serious and how mentally tough you had to be for this moment.

"... At the end of the day they are trying to pay you to play for their team, so I get why they did everything they did. It wasn't really that bad, I just took it the wrong way and was frustrated and stuff."

Polite showed up to his pro day hoping to make a better impression on scouts and coaches in attendance, but tweaked his hamstring while running the 40-yard sprint.

The Daytona Beach, Fla., native collected 11 sacks for the Gators last year, making him one of the top pass-rushers in this year's draft.

"In my head I feel like I'm still there (a first-round pick)," Polite said. "Where they pick me, I don't know. But I believe in myself, first and foremost. Whoever gets me, whoever's taking a chance from my terrible interviews and combine, they're going to get a great player. That's all I know."