As the dust from the 2010 NFL Draft settles, several former BYU players’ hopes of professional football careers are still alive.
Tight end Dennis Pitta was the only former Cougar to be drafted in this year’s draft, going to the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round with the 114th overall pick.
Though not drafted, quarterback Max Hall, running back Manase Tonga and tight end Andrew George have each signed undrafted free agent deals.
Hall signed with the Arizona Cardinals while Tonga and George agreed to terms with the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers, respectively.
Hall joins a quarterback-rich Arizona squad that includes veterans Matt Leinert, Derek Anderson and Brian St. Pierre. The Cardinals also drafted Fordham’s John Skelton in the fifth round of the draft on Saturday.
Tonga heads to an Oakland team that has five running backs on its roster, including Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. At the fullback slot, the Raiders have two veterans, Luke Lawton and Oren O’Neal. Lawton started three games for the Raiders in 2009 while O’Neal did not start any.
George will compete for a spot on a Carolina roster that includes three veterans at the tight end spot. Gary Barnidge, Jeff King and Dante Rosario each had over 200 yards receiving during 2009 season.
By signing undrafted free agent contracts, the players will be able to take part in mini-camps and summer training camps in their quest to secure a spot on their team’s roster.
More former Cougar undrafted free agent contract signings may be forthcoming in the near future.
Comments
Oren O'Neal has recently been waived by the Raiders, giving Tonga a great chance of making the team and possibly starting.
I enjoy reading your articles Kelly. Keep up the good work.
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