Why Undrafted?: Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State
By Charlie Campbell, @draftcampbell
Entering the 2014 college season, one of the safeties who was considered to be a potential early-rounder was Michigan State’s Kurtis Drummond. He had an impressive junior year as part of a Spartan secondary that helped push the team to one of the best defenses in college football. Drummond totaled 91 tackles, 10 passes broken up and four interceptions that season. Unfortunately for Drummond’s draft stock, his senior year wasn’t as good as he had some feast-or-famine performances with more games on the latter side than the former. Drummond totaled four interceptions, 72 tackles and 11 passes broken up in 2014, but he had some issues with eye discipline and being beaten deep downfield. After the end of the season, Drummond didn’t help himself with a slow 40 time at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Sources say the reason that Drummond went undrafted was because of his disappointing senior season and simply not grading out as a draft pick. The speed concerns were also a factor in his not being selected.
After falling undrafted, Drummond signed with the Houston Texans. That was a great choice by Drummond and his agent. The Texans signed Rahim Moore to be their starting free safety, but cut starting strong safety D.J. Swearinger after the 2015 NFL Draft. That opened up a starting competition and another roster spot for a backup. Veteran Stevie Brown is the favorite to be the starter, but if Drummond stands out in training camp and during the preseason, he could factor into the decision and receive serious playing time even if he isn’t the starter. Drummond also could make the case to stick on the practice squad. He played injured during the rookie mini-camp, but didn’t make a favorable first impression on the field.
Houston also is one of the best teams in the NFL for giving undrafted players a fair shot at making the team and receiving playing time. The offense is built around Arian Foster, who went undrafted out of Tennessee, and last season, the Texans played undrafted free agent A.J. Bouye as their nickelback with positive results. Houston fielded a number of other undrafted free agents and late-round picks as well, including Alfred Blue, Andre Hal, Damaris Johnson and Darryl Morris. Drummond will receive a fair shot to factor into the competition to replace Swearinger, and it is up to Drummond to take advantage of the opportunity.
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