Former Maryland Terrapins find NFL homes
By Wesley Brown
The 2015 NFL Draft contained one of Maryland’s most all around draft classes.
With 2 players drafted and more who were thought to be draft picks, the Terrapins were able to make a statement of their power.
With Stefon Diggs and Darius Kilgo drafted, that left five Maryland players that signed free agent deals.
Wide receiver Deon Long was a big difference maker for the Terps during his two seasons in College Park. The number one JuCo transfer finished his Maryland career with 83 receptions for 1,064 yards and adding three touchdowns. His knocks in terms of the NFL are his size and well traveled background. Despite all that has happened in his career, he was picked up by the Tennessee Titans, just hours after the draft ended. He must have been a key target for a few teams to be offered something that fast.
Keeping it close to Tennessee, Long will be joined by teammate and former Maryland linebacker Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil during the offseason. Cudjoe-Virgil transferred to College Park from Seton Hill, and made an impact. He battled through injuries to finish with 37 tackles and 5 sacks in two incomplete seasons.
He was unable to make the NFL Scouting Combine due to injury, but worked out at the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins local prospect days. Cudjoe-Virgil was the last Maryland player to be signed from this year’s class.
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With the First Pick
Maryland also had a duo of linebackers who spent their whole careers in College Park ink NFL deals. Cole Farrand and Matt Robinson were not expected to be drafted, but found teams rather quickly. Farrand finished his Maryland career with 283 tackles, 15.5 for loss and adding in five forced fumbles. Farrand signed with the New York Giants and is projected to be a special teams player to start.
Robinson had an injury-plagued career but managed to make it through five years as a Terp. He received one medical redshirt giving him an extra season, even though he never seemed to be fully healthy. The Howard County product finished his career with 198 tackles, half of a sack, an interception, and four forced fumbles. Robinson received an offer from Jacksonville, which he has accepted, and seems to be headed to a special teams role, while also adding depth to their linebacking core.
As some fans might remember the name, Nigel King also found a home after this year’s NFL Draft. King played two huge seasons in College Park before transferring to Kansas for his senior season. His College Park numbers include 42 catches for 575 yards and five touchdowns. In his senior season for the Jayhawks he had his most productive single season with 30 catches for 537 yards and one touchdown.
King was pushed out due to Maryland’s depth at receiver, but his Maryland career is still remembered by most fans. King received and offer to play for the Miami Dolphins, joining his former teammate, A.J. Francis.