Only two Vanderbilt alumni - Zac Stacy and Ryan Seymour - had their names called at the NFL Draft. However, that doesn't mean that they'll be the only ones competing for a roster spot this summer. Six other Commodores signed free agent deals this weekend, hoping to boost the number of former Vandy football players in the professional ranks.
Senior quarterback Jordan Rodgers, who led the 'Dores to back-to-back bowl appearances in the last two years, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Rodgers, who was the team's second undrafted QB pickup alongside Arizona's Matt Scott, will have a chance to stick in one of the league's most unsettled settings for quarterbacks. Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne have failed to put together consistent performances behind center for the Jags, and Rodgers could feasibly work his way into some playing time if he can find a spot on Jacksonville's roster.
Cornerback Trey Wilson will join Rodgers in Jacksonville this summer. "Ill Will" was a standout cornerback with underrated ball skills and the ability to create points off of turnovers. He'll have a good chance to stick with the Jaguars, who need all the help that they can get.
Defensive tackle Rob Lohr signed with the Chiefs that same day, where he'll have to fight his way onto a deep rotation at nose tackle. Kansas City has last year's first-round choice Dontari Poe penciled in as the starter, and a handful of solid players behind him. Lohr's strength and motor could earn him a contract, but he'll have to work hard to prove himself worthy of a roster spot on this rebuilding team.
Punter Richard Kent also found his way to the NFL, signing with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers have veteran Mike Scifres entrenched at the position, but Kent's solid play might give him a shot at usurping Scifres's role.
There's no word yet on Archibald Barnes, who would be the next likely candidate to sign with a professional team. We'll have more updates on these signings as they come in.