LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – With the excitement of the NFL Draft over, players from around the country that didn’t hear their name called eagerly await the chance to sign with a team as an undrafted free agent and compete for a roster spot.
In this year’s draft, two players from the University of Arkansas, Landon Jackson and Isaac TeSlaa, were taken in the second round and Central Arkansas Bear David Walker was drafted in the fourth round. Several players from Arkansas colleges have also signed contracts with NFL teams or been invited to a team’s mini camp.
UCA Bears star David Walker selected in NFL Draft by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arkansas wide receiver Andrew Armstrong (2) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 28-21. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Arkansas running back Ja’Quinden Jackson (22) carries the ball against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Auburn, Ala.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Arkansas defender Eric Gregory against Tennessee during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Arkansas defensive back Marquise Robinson (13) celebrates his interception during the second half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Arkansas defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (3) against Mississippi during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Arkansas defensive back Hudson Clark (17) against Florida International during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Arkansas wide receiver Tyrone Broden (5) against Mississippi during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Several Razorback players have signed with NFL teams including the trio of Keivie Rose, Ja’Quinden Jackson and Doneiko Slaughter who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though many had Andrew Armstrong and Eric Gregory projected to be chosen, Armstrong inked a deal with the Dolphins and Gregory signed with the Bengals. Hudson Clark signed with the Raiders, Tyrone Broden with the Seattle Seahawks and Marquise Robinson landed with the Baltimore Ravens.
American team offensive lineman Jacob Bayer (69), of Arkansas State, during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE – Arkansas State defensive back Trevian Thomas looks on during an NCAA football game on Oct. 7, 2023, in Troy, Ala. Thomas returned a fumble 91 yards for one of Arkansas State’s three defensive touchdowns in a 77-31 Sun Belt Conference win over Texas State on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Jonesboro, Ark. The 77 points were most by a team this season in a conference game. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)
Arkansas State wide receiver Courtney Jackson (9) warms up before an NCAA football game against Troy on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Arkansas State’s Ryan Heicher plays during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Arkansas State running back Zak Wallace (21) runs the ball against Troy during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
A trio of Red Wolves players signed as free agents including Jacob Bayer with the Bills, Trevian Thomas with the Panthers and Courtney Jackson with the Denver Broncos. Ryan Heicher received an invite to Colts rookie camp and Zak Wallace received an invitation to Atlanta Falcons camp.
Three Hogs sign as undrafted free agents following the 2025 NFL Draft
ShunDerrick Powell – Courtesy: Central Arkansas athletics department
TaMuarion Wilson – Courtesy: Central Arkansas athletics department
David Walker isn’t the only Bears alumni competing for a roster spot in the NFL this season, running back and Hoxie native ShunDerrick Powell signed a free agent deal with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Defensive back TaMuarion Wilson also signed a free agent deal with the Buffalo Bills.
American team defensive back Melvin Smith Jr. of Southern Arkansas (26) and American team wide receiver Arian Smith of Georgia (11) run through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Muleriders also had a player sign this weekend when defensive back Melvin Smith Jr. inked a free agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. He previously received an invite to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl and had a career-high five interceptions in his senior season.
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