2013 NFL Draft: Oklahoma Sooners Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Jan 04, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A

The 2013 NFL Draft saw six Oklahoma Sooners’ football players hear their name called. However, there were seven others who were eligible to be drafted who never got the honor. Some even predicted that one of those players, Tony Jefferson, would be a second or third round pick. However, not everyone gets drafted, but luckily these players can try to latch on to a team as an undrafted free agent and hope to stick around by proving themselves.

If it gives these players any consolation, Kurt Warner, Antonio Gates, Priest Holmes and Arian Foster were all undrafted free agents as well. In 2010 Foster won the NFL rushing title, Holmes was the offensive player of the year, Warner was an NFL MVP, and Gates is one of the NFL’s best tight ends.

Here is a look at OU’s 2013 NFL Draft undrafted free agents and who they have signed with.

DB Tony Jefferson, Arizona Cardinals – The biggest shock of the entire 2013 NFL Draft for Oklahoma Sooners fans was that no one drafted Tony Jefferson. A hybrid defensive back/safety, Jefferson was even featured on a Yahoo Rising Stars pre-draft episode. He started ever since his freshman season and led the team with 119 tackles in his final season, most of which he played injured. The fact that Stacy McGee, a player suspended numerous times for drug violations, was drafted and Jefferson was ignored is a crime.

"“Blessed beyond measure! I love football. Regardless the circumstances Ima ball player everyone who passed me up, will feel me Point blank son,” Jefferson tweeted. “And please don’t feel bad for me! Have yu not read Matthew 19:30? But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”"

Sep 17, 2011; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Javon Harris (30) and defensive back Demontre Hurst (6) react after Harris intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Sooners won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

DB Javon Harris, Arizona Cardinals – Starting alongside Tony Jefferson, Javon Harris struggled through his early career and lost his starting job as a junior. However, he rebounded as a senior and finished his final season with 86 tackles and a team-high six interceptions, but it wasn’t enough to hear his name called in the 2013 NFL Draft.

P Tress Way, Chicago Bears – It was no shock that Tress Way was not drafted, because punters rarely are. However, in his career at OU, Way was one of the most consistent players on the team and one of the best punters in Sooners’ history. Over his career, he averaged a school record 44.0 yards per punt and actually has five punts in his career travel more than 70 yards. He should find a spot in the NFL and the Bears were not happy last year with Adam Podlesh. He might be in the perfect spot.

DB Demontre Hurst, Chicago Bears – It was doubtful that Demontre Hurst would get drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, but he is an interesting prospect. If teams were looking for a pure athlete, Hurst is the physical specimen they should shoot for. In his final season at OU, Hurst had 59 tackles, but the big problem here is that he only has two interceptions in his career. If he is to stick with Chicago, it will have to be based on his special teams play.

Dec 1, 2012; Ft. Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooner linebacker Tom Wort (21) in action against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs at Amon G Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

DL Jamarkus McFarland, San Diego Chargers – The Sooners’ defensive line has been nowhere near the level it used to be, which cost some people their jobs this year. McFarland isn’t the biggest defensive tackle, but won All-Big 12 honors in his senior year with a career high 29 tackles. His numbers just weren’t big enough for NFL standards, with three sacks in his senior season.

LS James Winchester, Green Bay Packers – Much like Tress Way, Winchester never expected to hear his name called as a specialty long snapper, but that is a position that teams fill with undrafted free agents. He started as the long snapper both seasons he played at OU, while also registering four tackles as a senior and three fumble recoveries as a junior.

LB Tom Wort, Tennessee Titans – The biggest shock to leave OU and head to the 2013 NFL Draft was Tom Wort. He played injured during his junior year, and was not projected to have a team draft him, but gambled and left OU anyway to try his luck. In his three seasons at OU, he recorded 190 tackles, but his totals dropped from a career high 71 as a sophomore to a career low 53 as a junior. He also had 10 sacks and two interceptions as well, although both picks came as a junior as well.