Blue Devils Join NFL Teams as Undrafted Free Agents
By Chris Brown
Eight Duke football players sign rookie undrafted free agent contracts with NFL organizations.
We were surprised that no Blue Devils were drafted in this year’s NFL Draft, even though All-American safety Jeremy Cash was projected to be picked as high as the 3rd round. Despite no draft picks, eight Duke football players were able to sign undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams and three more were invited to rookie minicamps to showcase their talent.
Cash became one of the most highly regarded undrafted free agents after earning All-American honors and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and signed a deal to join the Carolina Panthers where he will have a chance to compete for minutes as a hybrid strong safety/linebacker. All-American center Matt Skura will head to the Baltimore Ravens for a chance to compete for a back-up center position.
Two Duke special teams players signed contracts to join NFL teams for training camp, with kicker Ross Martin joining the New York Jets and punter Will Monday joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. From last year’s offense, wide receiver Max McCaffrey agreed to terms with the Oakland Raiders and tight end David Reeves will head to Pittsburgh with Monday.
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Several other former defensive players for the Blue Devils signed rookie free agent contracts with NFL teams this year. Linebacker Dwayne Norman will join former Blue Devils RB Juwan Thompson and DE Kenny Anunike on the Denver Broncos. Additionally, defensive tackle Carlos Wray signed a contract with the San Diego Chargers.
Three Blue Devils received rookie minicamp invitations with a chance to hopefully sign with a roster for the full training camp. Running back Shaquille Powell will participate in the New England Patriots minicamp, offensive guard Lucas Patrick will head to the Green Bay Packers minicamp, and tight end Braxton Deaver will join Cash on the Carolina Panthers for their rookie camp.
More info on all of the Blue Devils joining NFL teams this year can be seen here. Congrats to all of the Duke Football players signing contracts with pro football organizations and we hope that they will be able to join the active rosters after training camp when the regular season comes around.