Following the 2016 NFL Louisville had 4 former players receive calls from NFL teams to sign Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) contracts or received invites to camps.
Surprisingly enough, Louisville linebacker James Burgess went undrafted but was able to secure an UDFA contract with the Miami Dolphins. Burgess is from right outside of Miami (Homestead) so going to the Dolphins is a reunion of sorts for the 4-year starter & 3rd Team All-ACC Linebacker. Burgess finished his career with 42 starts, 282 tackles and 7 Interceptions.
Offensive Lineman Aaron Epps also was given the call to join the Cincinnati Bengals. Epps earned his master’s degree in 5 years and was a leader of UofL’s young offense in 2015. Aaron cracked the starting rotation midway through 2014 and was a starter for the Cards since that time at tackle.
WDRB’s Rick Bozich reported that Louisville Kicker John Wallace has been invited to join the Washington Redskin’s camp. It’s unclear whether or not Wallace received an UDFA contract or if his invitation is just a tryout. We’ll attempt to clarify. But such invitations are not uncommon for kickers/punters.
Lastly, former Louisville Offensive Lineman (and transfer to Memphis) Ryan Mack has signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an UDFA. Mack transferred to his hometown Memphis for his senior year and spent time in the starting lineup with the Cardinals during his career.
Sheldon Rankins was the Cards lone draftee, selected #12 in the 1st round by the New Orleans Saints. A year earlier the Louisville Football program had 10 players selected in the 2015 NFL Draft.
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