Recent Memphis draft picks
Memphis couldn’t be blamed if it looked at this year’s NFL draft with mixed emotions.
There was pride in two former Tigers being selected; Anthony Miller and Genard Avery going in the second and fifth round, respectively. But, there was disappointment that quarterback Riley Ferguson went undrafted despite his solid resume.
Ferguson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent late Saturday night. Former Tigers defensive end Christian Johnson earned a mini-camp 2018: Anthony Miller, WR, Chicago Bears (2nd round); Genard Avery, LB, Cleveland Browns (5th round) 2017: Jake Elliott, K, Philadelphia Eagles (5th round) 2016: Paxton Lynch, QB, Denver Broncos (1st round, No. 22 overall) 2015: Bobby McCain, CB, Miami Dolphins (5th round); Martin Ifedi, DE, St. Louis Rams (7th round) 2014: Lonnie Ballentine, DB, Houston Texans (4th round) 2012: Dontari Poe, DT, Kansas City Chiefs (1st round, No. 11 overall)
Evan Barnes
invite to the Buccaneers according to his agent.
Social media was abuzz with people wondering why Ferguson slid out of the draft despite questions emerging about his mobility and speed - among other concerns - after the NFL combine. Thirteen quarterbacks were taken in the draft, including three in the seventh round.
Ferguson also landed with a team firmly entrenched with a starting quarterback in Jameis Winston, but he can also compete for roster spot with backup quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Griffin.
Even so, this week was still a successful draft for the Tigers; who saw two players selected for the second time in four years and continued a streak of having at least one player drafted since 2014.
Miller made a fast impression during his first interview with the Chicago media on Friday night.
While he mentioned how much he admired former wide receiver Steve Smith in his letter at The Player’s Tribune, he promised to be his own man and show his new home what he learned in Memphis.
“The Bears are going to get all I got,” Miller said in the Chicago Tribune. “They’re going to get the Memphis Grind. I don’t think they’ve seen that yet. But I’m going to introduce them to it.”
Avery, the first Memphis linebacker drafted since 1997, sported a Cleveland Browns hat on his Instagram story and is expected to be introduced by the team in the coming days. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who was high on him before the draft, continued that praise Saturday by calling him a steal and praising his high motor.
Both Avery and Miller were among 18 American Athletic Conference players drafted this week, setting a new conference record.
2018 NFL Draft results for Memphis
Anthony Miller: Drafted second round by the Chicago Bears (No. 51 overall)
Genard Avery: Drafted fifth round by the Cleveland Browns (No. 150 overall)
Riley Ferguson: Undrafted, signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent
Christian Johnson: Undrafted, minicamp invite to Tampa Bay Buccaneers