The NFL Draft weekend was a busy one for seven former K-State football standouts. By the end of the three-day event, two Wildcats were taken in the draft, three signed free-agent deals and two were invited to minicamp.
Here’s what you may have missed:
Tyler Lockett
Round: Third
Pick: 69th
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Skinny: Lockett’s selection helped extend K-State’s streak of at least one player drafted to 22-straight years, which leads the Big 12. The All-American wide receiver is the fourth Wildcat taken by the Seahawks all-time.
What he said: “From the Mustangs.. To Carver middle school .. To BTW high school.. To K-State.. To the Seattle Seahawks!! God you are so Awesome / Amazing.” (via Twitter)
Randall Evans
Round: Sixth
Pick: 196th
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Skinny: Evans, a former walk-on turned regular starter and now pro, joins the Eagles and beloved K-State running back Darren Sproles. He will play under head coach Chip Kelly who was the head man for Oregon during the 2013 Fiesta Bowl against K-State.
What he said: “Thanks everyone for congratulating me, I took the long road to college and it came out great for me, Thanks to the Eagles organization for giving me a chance, can’t wait to get back to work with my new team.” (via Instagram)
B.J. Finney
Round: N/A (undrafted free agent)
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Skinny: Finney grew up rooting for the Steelers. After a storied career at K-State, he now joins the NFL team as a potential starting center or guard.
What he said: “I stand in front of you today as proof that dreams do come true. I am under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers … This is a childhood dream. When I got the phone call, I knew I wanted to make it happen.” (via KAKE-TV)
Ryan Mueller
Round: N/A (undrafted free agent)
Team: San Diego Chargers
Skinny: Mueller wasn’t expected to be taken in the draft, but he was a sure candidate as an undrafted free agent. The physical defensive end may turn into a fullback in San Diego when all is said and done.
What he said: “The draft is over and I was not selected. Im grateful for everything. Thank you God for everything. Just have to find another way……again.” (via Twitter)
Jake Waters
Round: N/A (undrafted free agent)
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Skinny: Waters led K-State to two-straight bowl games with one trophy to show for it. He’ll be behind a former collegiate standout in Blake Bortles and a NFL veteran Chad Henne.
Jonathan Truman
Round: N/A (invited to minicamp)
Team: Miami Dolphins
Skinny: Like Mueller, Truman didn’t receive a scholarship when he first stepped on campus at K-State, nor was he drafted this past weekend. He’ll have an opportunity to showcase his football I.Q. and physical prowess, though, in Miami.
What he said: “Though I did not get signed, I have still been given a great opportunity to prove myself in Miami. I’m very thankful!” (via Twitter)
Curry Sexton
Round: N/A (invited to minicamp)
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Skinny: Sexton announced his minicamp invitation Sunday night. At 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Sexton will likely be a slot receiver who has proven to have solid hands.
What he said: “Want to thank the Minnesota Vikings for giving me an opportunity to come to camp next week. Looking forward to competing!” (via Twitter)
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:50 p.m. on May 4 to correct a spelling error.
