After going unpicked during the seven rounds of the 2007 NFL Draft, several Oregon and Oregon State players signed free agent deals recently.
According to a source close to the Ducks, safety J.D. Nelson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, joining other former Oregon non-draftees Tim Day and Terrence Whitehead.
Linebacker Blair Phillips, Oregon’s Most Valuable Player last year, signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Offensive lineman Palauni Ma Sun, a 6-foot-6-inch, 330-pound guard, signed with the Washington Redskins.
Center Enoka Lucas, a player many scouts figured to be Oregon’s top prospect, signed with the Houston Texans. Calls to Lucas were not immediately returned.
Although the free agent route is less lucrative than being drafted, former Oregon receiver Jordan Kent, who was picked in the sixth round by the Seattle Seahawks, said that the former Ducks have the ability to make the final roster.
“You hear stories all the time of guys going free agent, making the team and having as much success as the guy who was picked on the first day or first round,” Kent said.
The Oregonian reported that Oregon State players, quarterback Matt Moore and tight end Joe Newton, signed with Dallas and Seattle, respectively.
– Jacob May