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A year after having two players drafted and four sign as undrafted free agents, the Texas State Bobcats were shut out on draft day. However, three former Bobcats will have the chance to extend their playing days at the next level as undrafted free agents.
First, we'll start with the former all-Sun Belt second teamer and human road grader offensive tackle Adrian Bellard.
Texas State offensive tackle Adrian Bellard agreed to Chicago Bears deal on $7,000 signing bonus
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 1, 2016
Bellard was somewhat unusual in that he played all four years at offensive lineman and was easily a 12 game starter by the time he was a sophomore. He quietly turned in a respectable 2015 season as he was named All-SBC Honorable Mention and didn't give up a single sack in a season where the rest of the offensive line gave up 20 total.
Although he wasn't on Twitter to make the announcement, former Bobcat cornerback David Mims II also signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
Congrats to Keyarris Garrett going to the Panthers and David Mims going to the Falcons
— Edwin Mims II (@edwin_mims) April 30, 2016
Mims benefited immensely from playing alongside eventual San Diego Charger Craig Mager, and was an all-Sun Belt first team selection in 2014.
Finally, senior tight end Lawrence White turned a breakout season into a professional opportunity.
Been an extremely long road, but so happy to get the chance I've dreamed of with the Oakland Raiders! pic.twitter.com/nHgEuggFvy
— Lawrence White (@LawrenceW_GLA) May 1, 2016
White has an NFL-ready frame at 6'7" 255 lbs., and is a smart player who knows how to get open in red zone situations. He took over the main tight end role during the 2015 season and tied for the team leader in receiving touchdowns. His breakout game against ULM (5 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs) may have singlehandedly vaulted him into the UDFA conversation.
Although White came somewhat out of nowhere to have a solid enough senior season to get himself a shot at the next level, Bellard and Mims II had long been on the radars of many NFL teams. A brutal 3-9 season likely hurt the draft stocks of both players, but they'll get the chance to prove the draft scouts wrong and make a roster at the next level.