The 2018 NFL Draft has come to an end with two former Indiana University football players hearing their names called. Tight end Ian Thomas was selected in the 4th round by Carolina and linebacker Chris Covington was selected by Dallas in the 6th round.
There is no doubt that the results will be viewed as disappointing for some former Hoosiers, but their prospects for the future remain the same. Whether drafted or signed as undrafted free agents, several IU stars will have an opportunity to make an NFL roster this summer. We summarize the former Hoosiers that have been signed as free agents below. We will update this list as new reports emerge.
Indiana has had at least two players drafted for the 3rd time in the last five years. In our draft preview, it appeared possible that the Hoosiers might set a program record for the most players drafted in the first seven rounds (3).
IAN THOMAS – 4th Round, Carolina
#IUFB ➡️ NFL#IanThomas is the highest drafted TE in program history. pic.twitter.com/YWDhiq4a3S
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) April 28, 2018
Thomas will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the game in Panther tight end Greg Olsen. Olsen is nearing retirement, so this should be a good setup for Thomas to start in a year or two if all goes according to plan. The former Hoosier tight end is viewed as a raw talent that has the physical attributes and potential to develop into an everyday NFL player.
CHRIS COVINGTON – 6th Round, Dallas
#IUFB ➡️ NFL#ChrisCovington is the first Hoosier LB drafted since 1988. pic.twitter.com/TiqdegDLU0
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) April 28, 2018
Covington’s amazing transition from a Division 1 quarterback to linebacker has led him to the NFL, as the Dallas Cowboys see the potential in an emerging star. Similar to Thomas, Covington is still viewed as raw, but his strong showing at linebacker during his senior year led to him being named IU’s defensive player of the year and clearly caught the eye of NFL scouts and coaches.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS/ROOKIE MINI CAMPS (Will be updated)
Several other former Hoosiers have been picked up as undrafted free agents (UDFAs) or invited to rookie mini-camps. The main difference between signing as an undrafted free agent and being invited to a mini-camp is that the UDFAs actually sign a contract with the team while those that are invited to the mini-camps receive a weekly stipend.
Undrafted free agents are generally thought to have a better chance of ultimately making the team.
- Tegray Scales: Los Angeles Rams (UDFA)
- Simmie Cobbs: Washington Redskins (UDFA)
- Richard Lagow: Kansas City Chiefs (Rookie Mini-Camp)
- Rashard Fant: Chicago Bears (UDFA)
- Robert McCray III: Kansas City Chiefs (UDFA)
- Greg Gooch: New Orleans Saints (Rookie Mini-Camp)
- Griffin Oakes: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Rookie Mini-Camp)
- Tony Fields: Jacksonville Jaguars (Rookie Mini-Camp)
- Chase Dutra: Detroit Lions (Rookie Mini-Camp)
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