The wonderful world of free agency

There comes a point in the NFL draft where you’re thinking, “Please don’t pick me, please don’t pick me”. It starts to hit around the end of round five or so. Sure, most guys want to get drafted but at that point, the dollars aren’t really there and chances are you’ll end up with a team that makes your college days look a whole lot better.

It happened to at least two players in the state of Colorado, one from the U and one from CSU.

The late rounds came and went and actually there was probably a sigh of relief. Moments after the draft ended, former CU lineman Tyler Polumbus was on the phone with NFL head coaches Tony Dungy and Jeff Fischer. Who would’ve thought those guys had the time to call an undrafted free agent? Who would’ve thought Fischer had time to wait on hold (even if it were for a few minutes) while Polumbus spoke with Dungy?

Polumbus was quoted in the Denver Post saying he was praying that wouldn’t get drafted toward the end. He didn’t want to go to a place where he didn’t want to be.

Can you believe it, a guy who probably dreamed his whole life of having his name called from that famed podium actually decided to not settle?

Good thing too, as the Broncos offered him $20,000 to sign with them. The 6’7” 315 pound Polumbus, who will now compete for a roster spot on his favorite team, should fit into Shanahan’s mix of lean lineman.

Were you as sick of hearing Mel Kiper talk about Caleb Hanie as I was throughout the second day of draft coverage?
Well in case you hadn’t heard, the former CSU QB didn’t get drafted. But unlike Polumbus, he kind of had an idea of where he’d land. Can you think of an NFL team with two quarterbacks, neither of which the team appears to have much faith in at all? Hint: they are one year removed from a Super Bowl defeat.

Ah yes, the Bears added Hanie to their roster for a measly $5,000—a great deal for them I might add. Hanie was an efficient quarterback at CSU with very few options to throw to and with a sub-par line. He completed over 60 percent of his passes which certainly raised some eyebrows with the Bears. Either that or they’re just desperate. Either way, a guy who led his team to a 3-9 record last season should be glad for any shot in the NFL.

Hanie, after snubbing the Cowboys (which was probably a good decision on his part because he has a better chance to make Chicago’s roster), will compete for the No. 3 position with Nick Hill (Southern Illinois).

Other notable former players that competed for Colorado schools that signed: 

Jesse Nading- defensive end, CSU
Signed with Houston Texans

Sports Illustrated, before the 2007 season, deemed him as the player to watch for the Rams. He probably didn’t play up to his potential in his final year with the Rams but many thought he’d be drafted. Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has a knack for signing former CSU players. He signed Dave Anderson and with the Broncos added Cecil Sapp.
Jimmie Kaylor- punter, CSU
Signed with Atlanta Falcons

The Rams did a lot of punting last season, so NFL teams had a huge opportunity to check him out. Kaylor was amongst the top punters in the nation and could fit in well as a Falcon considering they’ll probably need someone who can punt a lot.

Damon Morton- wide receiver, CSU
Signed with Carolina Panthers

The Panthers do need help at the receiver position. It wasn’t pretty when Steve Smith went down with an injury. Morton, like Smith is a small receiver (5’11”, 177 pounds) but was a great return specialist for the Rams as well. He’s third all time in Mountain West Conference return yards.

**Polumbus was the only CU player to sign a free agent contract. But it’s worth noting that two CU players went in the second round: Jordon Dizon and Terrance Wheatley. No CSU players were drafted for the first time since 2002.