Nearly seven hours passed without any of the area's local NFL draft hopefuls hearing their names called. But the action is always fast and furious in the hour after the draft's conclusion.
Bethune-Cookman wide receiver Jawill Davis was the first to land a deal, signing with the New York Giants, per OTG Sports Management.
The Wildcats' leading receiver last fall, the 5-foot-11, 177-pound Davis caught 36 passes for 475 yards and three touchdowns. The Miami native also put up big numbers at B-CU's pro day, including a 4.47-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical leap.
"It's a blessing to go to a great organization like that," Davis said. "I didn't get drafted, but they saw my abilities and called me right away. It's a blessing to continue my career."
Davis said he spoke to Giants wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert several times during the draft and feels it's the best opportunity to crack a roster, given the change in coaching staff.
The Giants had just six picks in the draft and did not use a single one on a wide receiver. New York also released veterans Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris earlier this offseason.
Former Seabreeze wide receiver and track start Charles Nelson was invited to rookie minicamp this week with the Kansas City Chiefs on a tryout basis, his agent, Landon Betsworth, said.
Should Nelson not secure a deal with the Chiefs, he also has a tryout scheduled with the Indianapolis Colts the following week.
A special-teams dynamo for the Oregon Ducks over the last four seasons, Nelson finished his career with 4,566 all-purpose yards. He earned a handful of defensive starts as a sophomore, but primarily worked as a slot receiver.
In total, Nelson found the end zone 21 times for Oregon, though just twice in his senior year.
According to The Oregonian, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound Nelson clocked in with a 40-yard dash time of 4.52 seconds. He added 16 reps on the bench press (225 pounds).
Agents for both B-CU defensive back Diquan Richardson and The Citadel safety Kailik Williams, a Mainland grad, said neither of their clients had received a deal or tryout with an NFL team as of late Saturday evening.