At least three Georgia Tech NFL hopefuls agreed to undrafted free-agent deals with teams Saturday after not getting selected in the draft. Defensive end Emmanuel Dieke took an offer to go to camp with the New York Giants. Defensive tackle Euclid Cummings signed a deal with Tampa Bay. Cornerback Louis Young will be joining Denver.
“Man, words can’t even express it right now,” Dieke said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Via text message, the agent for A-back Robert Godhigh said he was hopeful that he’ll get a chance with the Falcons. Adam Bakow said an agreement could happen within the next week.
With Jeremiah Attaochu, Jemea Thomas and Brandon Watts getting drafted, all six senior starters from the 2013 defense will sign NFL contracts.
Dieke impressed defensive line coach Robert Nunn at a private workout before the draft at Tech. Nunn was on the phone with Dieke as the draft was ending, essentially recruiting him to sign with the Giants.
“We just felt like it was a better fit for me and a better chance for me to make the team,” Dieke said. “They need defensive ends and I talked to Coach Nunn, so he really wanted me there.”
Cummings thrived this season with new defensive line coach Mike Pelton and playing the “3 technique” tackle spot in the 4-3. He’ll get a shot with a team with a new coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
The Buccaneers didn’t use any of their six picks on a defensive lineman and Cummings said he was told that he would be the only undrafted free agent defensive lineman signed.
He leaves for Tampa Bay Sunday morning.
“It feels great,” he said. “Now I’ve just got to prove myself and make the roster come camp time.”
Young said the Broncos had been calling him frequently over the past two weeks. The AFC champions have five players on the roster, including draftee Bradley Roby, listed as corners, plus two defensive backs and a preponderance of safeties, offering Young a slightly better shot. He’ll be familiar with at least one player he may see plenty of during practice – former Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Young’s first season at Tech was 2010, a year after Thomas’ final season.
“I’m ready to go to work,” he said.
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