During last weekend’s annual NFL draft nearly a dozen Florida State football players were snapped up by pro teams. With a couple FAMU players also getting a shot, Tallahassee schools could get more representation in the NFL.
Florida State University’s Kelvin Benjamin was the highest pick, going in the first round to the Carolina Panthers. Two more went in the second round, one in the third, two in the fourth and one more in the fifth. Five more FSU players signed with teams as free agents. FAMU Athletics spokesman Alvin Hollins says that market is where two FAMU players also found opportunities.
“Brandon Denmark is a linebacker and I think he’s actually from Tallahassee. He signed on with Green Bay. He was our top prospect he was our leading tackler this past season," Hollins said. "Then, Frank Mays is a defensive end who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.”
FAMU’s John Ojo is in talks with several teams and FSU’s Jacobbi McDaniel has a tryout to get a free agent deal with the Cleveland Browns. Players who sign as free agents don’t get as lucrative of contracts as those who are drafted, but they have more teams to choose from. Players who are drafted still have to earn their spot on a team, but when they do, they usually get longer contracts.
Seminoles Selected in 2014 NFL Draft
Kelvin Benjamin WR No. 28, Round 1 Carolina Panthers
Lamarcus Joyner DB No. 41, Round 2 St. Louis Rams
Timmy Jernigan DT No. 48, Round 2 Baltimore Ravens
Terrence Brooks DB No. 79, Round 3 Baltimore Ravens
Devonta Freeman RB No. 103, Round 4 Atlanta Falcons
Bryan Stork OL No. 105, Round 4 New England Patriots
Telvin Smith LB No. 144, Round 5 Jacksonville Jaguars
Undrafted and Signed Free Agent Deals
Chad Abram FB Detroit Lions
Christian Jones LB Chicago Bears
Demonte McAllister DT Seattle Seahawks
Kenny Shaw WR Cleveland Browns
James Wilder, Jr. RB Cincinnati Bengals
