Gunzlingr
04-30-2003, 09:12 AM
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
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His breakout senior campaign in 2002 earned Iowa star Brad Banks the player of the year in college football, according to the Associated Press. He also won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Iowa's Brad Banks didn't hear his name called all weekend at the NFL Draft.
What it did not earn him, however, was a berth among the 262 prospects who were selected in the NFL Draft over the weekend and the security that comes from being a part of the fraternity of chosen ones.
But when it comes to quarterbacks, especially in recent years, undrafted does not necessarily mean unwanted. And even before the draft ended, as the final choices were being made, Banks and other quarterbacks found out that they had some career options.
"Teams were calling, one after another, and wanting me to sign (as a free agent)," said Banks, who after weighing the possibilities, ended up going to the Washington Redskins. "It doesn't take all the sting out of not having been drafted, but it makes you feel good to know someone is interested, and wants to bring you to camp and give you a chance."
In fact, Banks is one of several quarterback prospects signed in the hour or two after the draft concluded. All will go to camp as a "hired arm" to try and impress the coaches enough to perhaps earn the No. 3 roster spot (or even a slot on the practice squad).
MORE (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/columnist?id=1546054)
ESPN.com
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His breakout senior campaign in 2002 earned Iowa star Brad Banks the player of the year in college football, according to the Associated Press. He also won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Iowa's Brad Banks didn't hear his name called all weekend at the NFL Draft.
What it did not earn him, however, was a berth among the 262 prospects who were selected in the NFL Draft over the weekend and the security that comes from being a part of the fraternity of chosen ones.
But when it comes to quarterbacks, especially in recent years, undrafted does not necessarily mean unwanted. And even before the draft ended, as the final choices were being made, Banks and other quarterbacks found out that they had some career options.
"Teams were calling, one after another, and wanting me to sign (as a free agent)," said Banks, who after weighing the possibilities, ended up going to the Washington Redskins. "It doesn't take all the sting out of not having been drafted, but it makes you feel good to know someone is interested, and wants to bring you to camp and give you a chance."
In fact, Banks is one of several quarterback prospects signed in the hour or two after the draft concluded. All will go to camp as a "hired arm" to try and impress the coaches enough to perhaps earn the No. 3 roster spot (or even a slot on the practice squad).
MORE (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/columnist?id=1546054)