Should have stayed in school? 8 SEC underclassmen go undrafted
By Keith Farner
Published:
Whether a result of bad advice, or simply overestimating talent in comparison to the draft class, eight SEC underclassmen went undrafted when the NFL Draft finished on Saturday evening.
However, within minutes of the final pick, reports circulated that several of these players had signed free agent contracts with NFL teams. Should they have stayed in school, or will they be motivated by a tougher path to a regular role on a pro roster?
The players are Damarea Crockett of Missouri, Daniel Lacamera of Texas A&M, Ed Alexander of LSU, Elijah Holyfield of Georgia, Quart’e Sapp of Tennessee, Ryan Pulley of Arkansas, Saivion Smith of Alabama and Tyrel Dodson of Texas A&M.
Holyfield was arguably the biggest surprise in this group as the former Georgia running back had 1,018 yards rushing and seven touchdowns last season. He was a permanent captain for the 2018 season, and had a career-high 115 yards against Kentucky the week after a career-high 20 carries against Florida.
Holyfield quickly signed as a free agent with the Carolina Panthers.
The NFL draft is over and 49 of the 144 underclassmen who went pro were not selected. Here's the list. pic.twitter.com/O8d2WBh19y
— Max Olson (@max_olson) April 27, 2019
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
