NFL Teams Begin Signing Undrafted Free Agents As Lockout Is Lifted

Devine posted huge numbers in his first three years with the Moutaineers, averaging over six yards per carry in each and racking up 1,289 yards rushing as a sophomore and 1,465 as a junior. He struggled a bit as a senior, however, and was slowed by a toe injury, posting just 936 yards for the year.

He’s had a tough life - his parents both died of AIDS, and various adults (including, briefly, Deion Sanders, who went to the same high school as Devine) watched over him after that. As a teenager, he saw a friend of his be shot and killed. Despite the struggles, Devine found success on the field and in college at West Virginia.

Boston College linebacker and cancer-survivor Mark Herzlich will sign with the New York Giants and report to training camp immediately, spurning reported offers from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and others. As recently as Monday night, the Ravens were rumored as the destination for Herzlich. Nevertheless, in the end, it’ll be New York.

The decision is a big one, and for all the college stars floating around the free agent market after going undrafted this year, Herzlich’s name might be the biggest of all. Projected as first-round pick in 2009, he surprised most scouts when he returned to Boston College to play his senior year.

Devine was considered by many to be one of the top undrafted free agents following the conclusion of the 2011 NFL Draft. Known for his dazzling playmaking ability and blistering track speed, the 23-year old amassed a vast highlight-reel throughout his four years at West Virginia. Devine peaked during an incredible junior season in which he compiled 1,742 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns, the former of which ranks fourth on the university’s all-time records.

Despite his countless accomplishments, the Fort Myers native was snubbed by NFL scouts on Draft Day because of his slight frame (5-8, 180 pounds). Still, many are comparing Devine to a Darren Sproles-type all-purpose runner that can serve a valuable role on the right team. CBS Sports agrees, explaining:

Considered by many to be the best undrafted free agent on the market, Williams fell from the graces of NFL scouts following a 2010 campaign mired with injury concerns. After suffering a knee injury in the Fighting Irish’s late October matchup with Tulsa, the 21-year old was forced to miss four games before returning for Notre Dame’s victory over Miami in the Sun Bowl.

For more on the San Francisco 49ers, visit Niners Nation. For more on Ian Williams and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, visit One Foot Down.

A four-year contributor to the Orange, Smith had high expectations after serving as Syracuse’s co-captain during a senior season that saw him record 114 tackles, one-and-a-half sacks, and one interception. His eight career forced fumbles ranks second on Syracuse’s all-time list. He finished his college career with totals of 270 tackles, nine sacks, and two interceptions.

According to reports, Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris personally called Smith to recruit him. The gamble may pay off, as CBS Sports clearly likes the 23-year old’s professional prospects:

In Carolina, Pugh will be reunited with quarterback Cam Newton, with whom he won the NCAA Division I National Title in his final year at Auburn. At six-foot one-inch, 307 pounds, Pugh was selected as an AP Third Team All-American for his work during the Tigers’ championship run. Throughout his college career, he was a mainstay in the Auburn lineup, starting every game throughout the last three seasons.