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Wildcat free agent signings could crack NFL squads
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Roger Goodell didn't announce a single Wildcat
player during the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
“So you’re telling me there’s a chance”
A chance was all Lloyd Christmas wanted, and he managed to eventually get it.
But for some reason or another, a piddly little chance has eluded Northwestern players on draft weekend over the past three seasons.
Sure Evanston has never been a hot bed of NFL talent, but usually there is one player in every class that is at least worth a sniff. The Wildcats had never gone three straight years without having at least one player draft.
But the last time any ‘Cat heard their name was 2006, which seems likes a distant memory these days. Northwestern had three players get the call that year: defensive tackle Barry Cofield, offensive lineman Zach Strief and linebacker Tim McGarigle.
The best hope this year to break the shutout was Tyrell Sutton, but concerns over injuries and size probably negated any shot of him being “reserved” by a pro team.
But what do pro scouts know? They hit as often as they miss no matter if it is the first or the seventh round. For every Peyton Manning, there is usually a Ryan Leaf.
At least Pat Fitzgerald wasn’t upset about it enough to complain in the media like Mike Leach did. You would have thought Leach had learned to keep his mouth shut after he and the administration battled over his contract in the media at the end of last season.
Still the chance to make an NFL team may not have escaped Northwestern’s graduating seniors just yet.
Three former Wildcats signed free agent contracts on Sunday night, long after Mr. Irrelevant finished his champagne celebration.
Sutton, John Gill and Eric Peterman all inked deals with NFC North squads with the hope of taking their careers to the next level.
Going undrafted probably means it is a long shot at best that a player will see the field on Sunday, but even if it is just for completeness, I asked my fellow Examiners who cover the pro squads to give me their best guess on what – if any – impact that Northwestern’s former stars will have at the next level.
Tyrell Sutton
Position: RB
Pro Team: Green Bay Packers
Bio: Broke out of the gate well as a freshman but injuries derailed maybe the best Heisman prospect that Northwestern has seen in some time. Finished his career with over 5,000 all-purpose yards. Had a shot to be drafted thanks to his receiving skills, but his combine numbers were less than you would have hoped for someone wanting to make a splash into the second day.
NFL Examiner Reid Kerr on Sutton:
Chance of making the team: 20%
Impact: The Packers are four-deep at running back and run by committee, but Sutton is so far the only true running back they've added. Sutton had the skills to make the roster at one point, but he'll have to show that he's over all of the injuries that drastically cut his production.
Eric Peterman
Position: WR
Pro Team: Chicago Bears
Bio: Northwestern doesn’t exactly call to mind a great passing game which could be why Eric Peterman is one of just four players who has more than 2,000 yards receiving in their Wildcat career. His great hands had him finishing his career with 39-straight games catching at least one pass. His brains make up for what could be seen as lack of size at the next level. Honorable mention All-Big Ten.
Bears Examiner Sean Cassidy on Peterman:
Chance of making the team: 5% (15% to make practice squad)
Impact: Jumped out at teams because of the speed he showed at his Pro Day and that gives him a chance to make an impact as a special teams guy. Long term could develop into a potentially effective slot receiver with the size to screen LBs with his body and the speed to make plays after the catch.
John Gill
Position: DT
Pro Team: Detroit Lions
Bio: Played in almost every game of his college career and made the most of his time on the field. Finished with 10 career sacks, good enough for ninth on Northwestern’s all-time list. Fast off the ball, Gill landed himself on the honorable mention All-Big Ten list for his junior and senior seasons. Started to gain a bit of draft chatter after an impressive Pro Day and according to Scout.com, Indianapolis was also pursuing Gill before he signed with the Lions.
Lions Examiner Chris Morgan on Gill:
Chance of making the team: The Lions have some need at defensive tackle, and need defensive bodies, so I'll say about 50%
Impact: Probably not much. I don't know much he can do on special teams, and that's probably all he would be able to do at this point. Other than that, maybe a desperate injury substitute.
Previous Northwestern NFL Draft Coverage:
- NFL Draft grades unkind to Northwestern players
- Keeping tabs on former and soon-to-be Wildcats
- Tyrell Sutton fails to impress at NFL combine
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