Five former Virginia Tech football players found homes in the National Football League last weekend by way of the 2010 NFL Draft, and three others only had to wait 24 hours after the draft to find theirs.
Three Hokies will join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, two head to the Buffalo Bills, two to the Pittsburgh Steelers and one will fly alone with the Seattle Seahawks.
While cornerback Stephan Virgil, offensive guard Sergio Render and defensive end Cordarrow Thompson will have an exceptionally tough time making the Bills, Buccaneers and Steelers, respectively, signing as undrafted free agents, here’s how those who were drafted will attempt to fit in with their teams.
JASON WORILDS, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER — PITTSBURGH STEELERS (20TH PICK IN THE SECOND ROUND)
Worilds was the first Hokie off the board, going to a very favorable situation with the Steelers. Switching from his defensive end position at Tech to linebacker at the next level will be a tough transition.
What will be even tougher than making a position change, though, is the competition Worilds will face to earn playing time. Pittsburgh is known for drafting heavy at the linebacker position, and Worilds was just the first of three linebackers taken in rounds two through five. However, the Steelers have extraordinary depth at the position already. With standouts LaMarr Woodley and 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison already starting on the team, it will be tough competition.
That being said, Worilds is clearly a pick for the future. The Steelers will look to develop him much like they did Harrison, utilizing him in special teams situations and as a back up to Woodley and Harrison.
The Steelers have acknowledged that Worilds probably won’t see much game time in the near future and will have to earn his keep on special teams. However, with all-pro linebackers to mentor him on the pro-level, Worilds has the opportunity to develop into a quality player in the NFL.
KAM CHANCELLOR, STRONG SAFETY — SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (SECOND PICK IN THE FIFTH ROUND)
Chancellor was the second safety taken by the Seahawks in this weekend’s draft after the Hawks took Earl Thomas out of Texas in the first round. The former Hokie looks to share time with Thomas who will likely start out of the gate in Seattle. Because he is not quite the ball-hawk Thomas is, Chancellor looks to be utilized more against the run game.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, 230 pounds, Chancellor is more of a punishing, in-the-box hitter who can play close to the line of scrimmage. While he may not see an enormous amount of playing time, Chancellor can have an immediate impact in several situations on defense and especially on special teams in Seattle.
ED WANG, OFFENSIVE TACKLE — BUFFALO BILLS (NINTH PICK IN THE FIFTH ROUND)
A version of this article appeared in the Apr 27 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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