Three Blue Devils Join NFL As Free Agents
By Chris Brown
Three former Duke Football players announce signing undrafted free agent contracts to join National Football League teams.
Over the last few years, David Cutcliffe has made the NFL Draft interesting for Duke fans. After a program-best streak in consecutive players selected, we were surprised when ACC Defensive Player of the Year Jeremy Cash went undrafted last year. No Blue Devils were projected to be drafted this season, however Duke Football announced cornerback Breon Borders, long snapper Thomas Hennessy, and wide receiver Anthony Nash all agreed to terms with NFL teams.
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Breon Borders will join the Oakland Raiders this offseason after a career senior year. Borders was the Blue Devil most likely to be drafted this season, however a late-season hip injury may have scared off teams from selecting him as a late pick. The All-ACC cornerback led the ACC in pass deflections with 1.3 per game and 11 total. He also added two interceptions, 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Hopefully he can regain his athleticism after the injury and earn a spot with the Raiders in the fall.
Anthony Nash signed an undrafted free agent rookie deal to join the Denver Broncos. Nash also had a stellar senior season that was cut short due to a broken collarbone. He totaled 29 catches for 398 yards and two TDs in seven games with the Blue Devils in 2016. His height at the WR position can help him succeed in the NFL.
Thomas Hennessy will also get the chance to join an NFL roster, signing with the Indianapolis Colts. Hennessy starred at long snapper in college starting every game for Duke. He recorded 545 total snaps and four tackles for his career with the Blue Devils’ special teams unit.
Next: Duke Football Hosts Pro Day for NFL Hopefuls
Several Blue Devils are still waiting for possible offers from NFL teams, including RB Jela Duncan, defensive tackle A.J. Wolf, and safeties DeVon Edwards, Corbin McCarthy, and Deondre Singleton. Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more offseason and training camp updates on former Duke players in the NFL.