A day after seven LSU football players were among the 255 NFL draftees, nine other LSU seniors are trying to work their way onto teams through free agency.
Some of the players who were not drafted get contracts with teams on draft day anyway. NFL draft analyst Michael Detillier said a coach may call a player and say the team did not have time to pick him up in seven rounds but is very interested in the player’s playing skills.
“A lot of times a free agent will make more money than the seventh-round draftee because of signing bonuses,” Detillier said. “A lot of teams bid on the same player, and you’re not part of the salary-cap element, so instead of a $10,000 signing bonus, you can maybe go to $15,000 or $20,000. I’ve known some free agents that have gotten a $30,000 signing bonus.”
Linebacker Cameron Vaughn is an example. Vaughn’s agent Albert Elias said the Denver Broncos signed him immediately following the draft Sunday for more money than some of the seventh-round players received.
The New Orleans Saints signed linebacker E. J. Kuale as a free agent Sunday night.
Kuale said he was a little nervous when he was not drafted.
“The Saints worked me out a couple times before the draft at both pro days,” Kuale said. “As far as playing first year, they have linebackers there, but I think I can beat one of them out of position.”
The Cincinnati Bengals signed their third Tiger from the 2006 draft class when they picked up tight end David Jones.
The Bengals drafted offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth in the second round and wide receiver Bennie Brazell in the seventh round.
Jones’ agent Lance Courtney said Cincinnati offered him a spot before the draft, and Jones picked the Bengals over the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Redskins.
Detillier said that for those players who have not yet been offered a spot on a team, there are still other opportunities for positions in the NFL.
“There’s a system, a 14-day trial period in which they bring the rookies in. You’re allowed to bring 10 or 12 players basically under a two-week look-see,” Detillier said. “You can look at player for two weeks, and if it doesn’t work out, you can sort of release them or not invite them to camp. That way you can get at least an idea about a player.”
Kenneth Hollis has been invited to the Atlanta Falcons camp, according to his agent Derrick Collins.
Detillier said speed, size and prior injuries come into account at those workouts.
If a team decides to pass on Hollis, Collins said, it often informs other teams with vacancies about him.
While the NFL Europe and the Arena Football League also take college players, both are currently in mid-season and will not pick up players until the season is over.
The Canadian Football League is an option, however, because its season does not start until June.
Offensive guard Terrell McGill’s agent said he is considering the CFL at this point.
“That’s the worst-case scenario,” McGill said. “Well the worst case would be playing in the Arena League, and I’m not trying to do that. But as long as I’m playing something I love and making a little money at it, I’m OK.”
McGill said he looked at player rankings before the draft and never saw his name.
“As far as not being drafted, I didn’t feel bad because I already knew that was going to happen,” McGill said. “I figured that out way back in January. I been preparing for that to happen. I don’t know how to feel exactly about not being picked up by any NFL team yet, but I’m still going to keep fighting.”
Kevin Steltz and Mario Stevenson still have not been picked up by teams, according to their agents.
There is no word yet on whether offensive tackle Nate Livings, center Rudy Niswanger, cornerback Ronnie Prude or defensive tackle Brandon Washington have been offered tryouts or contracts.
Detillier said it could take up to 72 hours after the draft for that information to be announced because players weigh their offers and opportunities and sometimes change their minds about accepting offers before signing the contracts.
“You have a chance to decipher where you want to go,” Detillier said. If you have five, six or seven clubs that are very interested, sometimes it’s difficult to make a decision. You try to find the team with the best financial offer and also the team that has the best opportunity for you to make it.”
 
Contact Krysten Oliphant at [email protected]