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To no one's surprise, zero Boston College Eagles were drafted in the seven rounds of the NFL draft this weekend. This is only the second time since 1979 that no one from BC was drafted, the other being 2005. There was some buzz that one of the linemen could hear his name, but that was not the case.
However, after the draft was completed, four players got the calls they were hoping to get. Free agents were signed fast and furiously, and thankfully BC players were amongst those who found new homes.
Linebacker Nick Clancy, who led the Eagles in tackles last season, was signed by the Atlanta Falcons. Clancy will be joining former Eagles QB Matt Ryan, and Spaz castaway Dominique Davis in Atlanta. I always thought that Clancy had NFL qualities, so hopefully he can stick around and find a role with the Falcons.
Tight End Chris Pantale, who missed large chunks of last season signed with the New York Jets. This should be a great opportunity for Pantale, because the Jets recently lost starting tight end Dustin Keller, and NY doesn't have many options on offense. There were huge expectations for Pantale, but injuries derailed his senior season, but looking back at game film from 2011 specifically the Miami game, and you can see his potential.
Tackle John Wetzel will be heading off to the West Coast where he will be breaking camp with the Oakland Raiders. He has an enormous frame, but struggled with the rest of the offensive line this past season. Hopefully a change of scenery and some new coaches will help him sure up his skill sets and get him NFL ready. Funny enough, NFL.com compares him to fellow BC alum Jeremy Trueblood.
Finally fellow tackle Emmett Cleary was signed by the Indianapolis Colts. Apparently OLine coach Joe Gilbert and head coach Chuck Pagano have a thing for BC linemen because Cleary will be the third Eagle in camp joining Anthony Castonzo and Gosder Cherilus.
And if you want to still count him as a BC player--which I do, Montel Harris will be heading to Tampa Bay to play with the Bucs.
It was tough watching the entire NFL draft without a BC player being called, but in the end sometimes these things work themselves out. Mark Herzlich has had a solid career, and there are many other non drafted Free Agents that make in the NFL. Here is to hoping these four will be amongst them.