Duke Football hasn't had much luck on the football field and that has certainly shown in the NFL Draft. It has been a long time since the Blue Devils had a player drafted and only one since 2002 has had their named called. Some thought that this year might be the year when that trend changed.
Matt Daniels, an All-American safety for the Blue Devils looked like he had a shot of getting drafted but it just didn't happen. When the final name was called Daniels, nor any other former Duke Football player had their named called.
But all wasn't lost for Daniels who signed a free agent contract Sunday with the St. Louis Rams.
Daniels, a second team All-American and an All-ACC player, played in 46 career games and compiled totals of 324 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, four interceptions, seven caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 27 pass breakups as a Blue Devil.
On Duke's all-time records charts, he ranks 13th in tackles, third in caused fumbles and tied for sixth in pass breakups.
I would guess that based on how hard that Daniels plays and how smart a player he is, that he could make a permanent home in St. Louis. He might not play entirely at safety and I wouldn't be shocked to see him bulk up to play linebacker or possibly end up playing special teams.
Time will tell for Daniels who will be missed in Durham this season. Also likely to be missed is wide receiver Donovan Varner and tightend Cooper Helfet.
Both were hoping to get drafted and after Helfet got some attention after catching a few passes from future hall-of-famer Peyton Manning, many thought he might have a chance to get drafted somewhere.
But alas, neither heard their named called. Helfet has good size and like Daniels, might be able to sign on with a team as a free agent. Varner, Duke's all-time leading receiver, may be a bit undersized to get picked up in the NFL. Still there is always a chance and if he does manage to sign we will keep you posted.
Stay tuned to the Duke Sports Blog for more updates on the destinations of former Blue Devil Football players.
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