Drago could be going soon!

[Jdubs21]

Im watchin the draft and Drago is in mel kipers top 10 remaining in draft, up there with colt brennan :)

[Go_Herd]

Im watchin the draft and Drago is in mel kipers top 10 remaining in draft, up there with colt brennan :)

Damn your fast, just gonna post this.

[Hammersmith]

Ha Ha! I beat you both on the other thread(by one minute). ;)

[Jdubs21]

well drago deserves his own draft thread! haha, anyone know what all teams he worked out with besides the bears?

[RunDMc34]

Aww I was way too slow to post this but hopefully he goes sometime here at the end of round 4 or round 5.

Then I will have to own a Drago jersey so hopefully he goes to a decent team

[No_Skill]

I predict the Bears take him late in the 5th at 158 overall.

[BisonNeil]

According to SportingNews, here are the teams that have a need for a punter:

Arizona Cardinals
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Indianpolis Colts
New York Jets
Oakland Raiders

Of those, Denver is probably the needest and have shown some interest. The Chicago Bears are listed as having a punter be a low priority.

[Jdubs21]

good to know....would be nice to see him play for the packers, bears, or vikings though, cuz those are the teams we get to see on tv around here

[jeff0078]

Durant Brooks will more than likely be the top punter drafted because he's much better at pinning teams inside the 20. If he's picked in the 5th or 6th Drago will probably get picked a round/half-round later.

[No_Skill]

Kiper has Drago above Brooks. Currently at #8 best available.

[jeff0078]

Kiper has Drago above Brooks. Currently at #8 best available.

And I've seen others rank Drago as the 4th best punter (CNN/SI). Drago has the best leg, but his overall game is not the best.

You can't look at Kiper's best available and expect him to be picked 8 slots later. We should just be happy for him if he gets picked.

[jeff0078]

Don't think I wouldn't be happy if I was wrong though. I love the guy.

[Jdubs21]

now 6th!!! and bears pick next

[Jdubs21]

damn im gettin to impatient, he could really go at any pick now

[lakesbison]

i hope he doesnt goto a nfc central team.....

[Go_Herd]

Kiper has Drago as #5 best player available. I know it doesn't mean much but it is still pretty cool to see

[Jdubs21]

yea he'll be at the top of the list for teams needing a punter now

[lakesbison]

mel just gave him a good good prop!!

sean landetta even pimped him.

[Montana Bison]

According to SportingNews, here are the teams that have a need for a punter:

Arizona Cardinals
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Indianpolis Colts
New York Jets
Oakland Raiders

Of those, Denver is probably the needest and have shown some interest. The Chicago Bears are listed as having a punter be a low priority.

Can you imagine the punts Drago would have if he played in Denver !! 80 yarders !!!

[stevdock]

The Bears have 5 7th round selections. I am hoping that he can make it through the 6th so that they can select him. I know it's not a need, but he will be better than what they've got.

[aces1180]

The Georgia Tech punter, Durant Brooks, just went to the Redskins.

[Hammersmith]

Durant Brooks went to the Redskins as the first punter selected(kicker too).


edit: D'oh. Didn't win the race that time.

[jeff0078]

Durant Brooks went to the Redskins as the first punter selected(kicker too).

Not sure what is up with ESPN and/or Kiper. Never place-kicked or kicked off his entire college career. He's strictly a punter.

[Hammersmith]

Not sure what is up with ESPN and/or Kiper. Never place-kicked or kicked off his entire college career. He's strictly a punter.
I was just thinking of editing that because I couldn't find any PK stats. I could've sworn I saw him listed as a P/K earlier today. Was I imagining that?

[aces1180]

Not sure what is up with ESPN and/or Kiper. Never place-kicked or kicked off his entire college career. He's strictly a punter.

I think what Hammer implied with his comment was that he was the first at either position selected this year.

[aces1180]

I was just thinking of editing that because I couldn't find any PK stats. I could've sworn I saw him listed as a P/K earlier today. Was I imagining that?

Oops! I guess I was wrong.

[jeff0078]

ESPN had Brooks listed as a PK (placekicker). The error has been corrected now.

[Hammersmith]

Whew. I'm not any more insane than I already knew about. Thanks.

In other news, Corey Lynch(S) of App State just went to the Bengals.

edit: And now the first place kicker went for real. Taylor Mehlhaff of Wisconsin went to the Saints.

[aces1180]

Taylor Mehlhaff, the kicker from Wisconsin just went to New Orleans...He is originally from Aberdeen.

[lakesbison]

a D 2 players and nichols state... ARGh.. this sucks!!

[aces1180]

The Broncos are coming up at pick 183 and have a need for punter as mentioned earlier in this thread...We'll see....

[TheDoctor]

Drago is up to #2 on Kipers best available board. I am predicting right now, that in the #207 pick (and final pick) of the 2008 draft, the Cincinati Bengals will choose Joe Mays--North Dakota State University. ;)

[aces1180]

The Broncos are coming up at pick 183 and have a need for punter as mentioned earlier in this thread...We'll see....

Arizona picks at 185, and they need a punter as well.

[jeff0078]

If only more teams had seen him dance...

[aces1180]

Drago is up to #2 on Kipers best available board. I am predicting right now, that in the #207 pick (and final pick) of the 2008 draft, the Cincinati Bengals will choose Joe Mays--North Dakota State University. ;)

Mr. Irrelevant always gets his name on Sportscenter!

[Go_Herd]

damn not a bronco

[TheDoctor]

No Drago for Denver :(

[Mr. Burgundy]

Maybe Babich takes both of them in the 7th???? Illinois kids!!!

[aces1180]

No for Arizona either.

[aces1180]

Maybe Babich takes both of them in the 7th???? Illinois kids!!!

He did recruit them both to NDSU, correct?

[lakesbison]

21 players left.. right? hmmmmmm cmon!!!!


drago, mays, walker 205, 206, 207.. ha ha

[aces1180]

He did recruit them both to NDSU, correct?

I can answer my own question...They sat out 2003 with redshirts, so yes, Babich's last recruiting class included them.

[TheDoctor]

He did recruit them both to NDSU, correct?

Yes.......................

[TheDoctor]

Joe didn't red shirt.........

[jeff0078]

Joe didn't red shirt.........

yeah he did

[aces1180]

Joe didn't red shirt.........

According to GoBison.com... 2003 SEASON (REDSHIRT): Sat out 2003 season as a redshirt ... http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=73726

BTW - I didn't know this either way, just went with what GoBison.com had listed. ;)

[TheDoctor]

Ok, i am losing my mind then.

[aces1180]

Ok, i am losing my mind then.

It happens to the best of us. ;)

[aces1180]

The Bears have 5 7th round selections. I am hoping that he can make it through the 6th so that they can select him. I know it's not a need, but he will be better than what they've got.

You have to think that at least one of the Illinois guys will get picked by them...At least I hope so.

[ndsubison1]

Mays to the Eagles? I am an Eagles fan so that would be great

[Go_Herd]

I am an Eagles fan

I'm sorry to hear that, i think there is a procedure to fix that.

[roadwarrior]

#207 is the last pick in the 6th round.

[lakesbison]

any live reports from labbys???? anyone?

[roadwarrior]

The final draft pick will be #252

[roadwarrior]

any live reports from labbys???? anyone?

labby's isnt open sundays.

[ndsubison1]

I'm sorry to hear that, i think there is a procedure to fix that.

there probably is

[lakesbison]

road... sorry about that.. im dum... i FORGOT about 7th round.

Labbys.. = drago draft party

[Go_Herd]

holy crap---Mays An Eagle

[tjbison]

Joe Mays!!!!!!!!!!

[lakesbison]

Joe Mays!!!

[TheDoctor]

road... sorry about that.. im dum... i FORGOT about 7th round.

Labbys.. = drago draft party

Actually I'll take credit for this one Lakes....I stated that that was the last pic of the draft and as Road stated, only the 6th round. I had guessed Joe would go to Cinci in that pick if it was the last pick, but I was way off. Having a bad numbers day. Also, I just got off the phone with Joe and asked him about the redshirt and he said yes he did redshirt (I started at NDSU his redshirt freshman year then). Anyway, I knew he was turning 23 here soon, which means he didn't turn 18 until 3 months after graduating from high school. Crazy! I had heard that Dragos draft party was at Labbys today, but that may have just been a rumor. ;)

[tjbison]

Joe goes before Mike Hart of Michigan!!!!:nod:

[Bison101]

He's number 2 on the best remaining chart now. Chicago's up soon, so I hope he gets to play at home.

[TheBisonator]

I woke up at around 11am and turned on the draft to see Drago in Kipers' top-10 at around the late 4th round, and I was watching for FOUR F***ING HOURS waiting for Drago to be called and not seeing Drago's name called, so I went out to eat after pick number 190, then I come back to the computer to see that Joe Mays was drafted at 200. Congratulations Joe!!:nod:

Meanwhile, I have no idea why Drago is still on the board.

[tjbison]

Still no Bronco's

[TheBisonator]

In a related story, I'm pleased to see 20 FCS players have been drafted so far.

[TheBisonator]

Still no Bronco's

I was cursing at the TV every time the Broncos picked.

I thought the Broncos wanted Drago.

[ndsubison1]

Broncos are up again soon at 227 maybe that will be it...

[Go_Herd]

No Bears.......yet

[Mr. Burgundy]

Caleb Campbell from the ARMY is a total stud. What a great kid. Impressive interview.

[onbison09]

Caleb Campbell from the ARMY is a total stud. What a great kid. Impressive interview.
Gotta love the respect he got from the crowd! He's on TV right now, best of luck to him!

[Go_Herd]

No from the Broncos.....again

[tjbison]

That was Denvers last pick wasn't it??

[Bison101]

Philly's up soon! Perhaps he'll be with Joe! :nod: :nod: :nod:

[ndsubison1]

Philly's up soon! Perhaps he'll be with Joe! :nod: :nod: :nod:

That would be awesome

[tjbison]

Chicago has 3 more picks!

[Bisonguy]

Post with political comment and posts that quoted said post were deleted. Keep the politics off here.

[TheBisonator]

Sorry, I apologize. Drago is a good personal friend of mine, and I'm really personally frustrated that he hasn't been picked yet.

[aces1180]

Well, if he doesn't get drafted, I would be shocked if he doesn't get signed as a free agent as early as tonight. Remember, Dahl wasn't drafted last year and now has a SB ring.

[tjbison]

Well, if he doesn't get drafted, I would be shocked if he doesn't get signed as a free agent as early as tonight. Remember, Dahl wasn't drafted last year and now has a SB ring.

Oh he will be invited to someones camp!! no way he stays home!

[TheBisonator]

I'm really pissed, because I spent three years watching this man punt in practices, and I have NO IDEA why an NFL team would not want to draft him. He seriously was the best punter in college football last year. SOMEBODY JUST TAKE HIM!!!

[aces1180]

I'm really pissed, because I spent three years watching this man punt in practices, and I have NO IDEA why an NFL team would not want to draft him. He seriously was the best punter in college football last year. SOMEBODY JUST TAKE HIM!!!

I felt the same way about Aaron Peterson, the kicker/punter for the Bison from 1998-2001...I dunno how he didn't get a chance, but he was good.

[TheBisonator]

If any team might take him, it could be the Bengals. They've already picked 8 players and have 2 out of the remaining 15 picks.

[TheBisonator]

14 to go, no Drago. Chiefs on the clock.

[tjbison]

14 picks remaining:banghead: Chicago has 3 of them I'm still thinking "DA Bears"!!

[NDSUstudent]

I felt the same way about Aaron Peterson, the kicker/punter for the Bison from 1998-2001...I dunno how he didn't get a chance, but he was good.

I felt the same way, that guy had some booming punts. I think a few flirted with the rafters at the Alerus Center. He was also a very solid kicker.

With that said, I'm not to worried about Drago. Some team will call him if he doesn't get drafted. He will get his chance and just like with Dahl it might be for the best.

[BisonFB]

Have any punters/kickers been drafted? Although they can win or lose games for a team...they are an afterthought...I'm not saying that's right, it's just how it is.

[TheBisonator]

Have any punters/kickers been drafted? Although they can win or lose games for a team...they are an afterthought...I'm not saying that's right, it's just how it is.

Two punters and three kickers have been drafted so far. I thought they said Drago was the best punter in the Draft.

[TheBisonator]

13 to go, no Drago. Ravens on the clock.

[jeff0078]

I felt the same way, that guy had some booming punts. I think a few flirted with the rafters at the Alerus Center.

And that's part of the problem, really. You have to be able to do more than just boom punts. That's why he isn't the consensus #1 punter. He's already been working on the amount of time it takes to punt, but he also needs to work on his control and directional punting too. He had a fair amount of touchbacks and scouts do not like that. He has to work on pinning teams inside the 20 more consistently.

[TheBisonator]

12 to go, no Drago. Panthers on the clock.

[TheBisonator]

11 to go, no Drago. Redskins on the clock. Won't be them, they already picked a punter.

[NDSUstudent]

243 Chicago needs a punter....

[TheBisonator]

Watch the Bears' last three picks.

[Blue]

Redskins won't pick Drago

[ndsubison1]

Bears will pick him

[TheBisonator]

10 to go, no Drago. Bears on the clock.

[BisBison]

Two punters and three kickers have been drafted so far. I thought they said Drago was the best punter in the Draft.

In the ESPN NFL Draft Tracker, it only lists one punter getting picked so far and two kickers. ?? Am I missing something?

[lakesbison]

cmon BOB!!!! PICK HIM!!

[aces1180]

In the ESPN NFL Draft Tracker, it only lists one punter getting picked so far and two kickers. ?? Am I missing something?

You are right..Same on NFL.com.

[onbison09]

It might almost be better for him to sign as a free agent if you think about it. He could pick his own team and a situation that is right for him but it's really dumb he hasn't been drafted IMO.

[TheBisonator]

9 to go, no Drago. Bengals on the clock.

[Blue]

No Soup for Drago at #243.

[onbison09]

No Drago. DAM!!! Poor guy announcing the pick though. Welcome to New York. lol

[TheBisonator]

It might almost be better for him to sign as a free agent if you think about it. He could pick his own team and a situation that is right for him but it's really dumb he hasn't been drafted IMO.

My new nightmare is that no team will even want him as a free agent.

[TheBisonator]

8 to go, no Drago. Dolphins on the clock.

[Mr_Meanor]

I don't see Drago being drafted...punters and kickers are normally signed as undrafted FA. If Chicago really wants him I still don't think they would waste a pick on him. I am sure Chicago know its his dream to play for the Bears. They are probably thinking they got the first shot at signing him if he goes undrafted.

[onbison09]

My new nightmare is that no team will even want him as a free agent.
I find that hard to see happening, combine invite, sr. bowl, etc.

[NDSUstudent]

My new nightmare is that no team will even want him as a free agent.

Denver will call him, they've shown a lot of interest in Drago and they need a punter.

[TheBisonator]

7 to go, no Drago. Bengals on the clock.

[lakesbison]

grrrrrrrrrrrrrr he'd be AWESOME for Mr Irrelevant!!!

going to Disneyworld and on tv shows.. etc



P,S_ DRAGO CAN MAKE MORE MONEY IF HE IS A UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT

[onbison09]

grrrrrrrrrrrrrr he'd be AWESOME for Mr Irrelevant!!!

going to Disneyworld and on tv shows.. etc
Don't they even get a parade? Week in Cali, sounds pretty nice http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Irrelevant

[ndsubison1]

This is making me mad

[NDSUstudent]

247 and 248 are coming up for Chicago.

[TheBisonator]

You have TWO PICKS, Bears!!! Throw NDSU a bone, here!! We want two players drafted in the same year!!!

[lakesbison]

take a LOCAL BOY. CHICAGO!!! CMON!!

DRAGO can make more MONEY if he is UNDRAFTED F A!

[UTH]

247 and 248 are coming up for Chicago.

That's what I'm talking about

[TheBisonator]

6 to go, no Drago. Bears have the next two.

If Drago's not picked in the next two, it's FA time.

[TheBisonator]

Strike one.

[TheBisonator]

Strike two, and that's the ballgame.

[tjbison]

not looking good for Drago

[1bizon1]

damn Bears!

[UTH]

not looking good for Drago

Leaves him in the driver's seat. He and his agent can deal with whoever would be best for his career. So, that begs the question - who's he talking to the most?

[heymch86]

screw danny woodhead. take drago!

[tjbison]

Who????? Idaho Wtf!!

[TheBisonator]

I pray that he finds a team, and that that team doesn't cut him 4 weeks later like all of our other players...

[1bizon1]

It's always left me wondering. Is there that much talent out there that our guys can't find a place and stick? Or is it the Coste thing? The guys are just not given a chance? In football it seems that if you do not find a home within a couple of years at best, your done. Am I somewhat right?
Anyway, a big congrats to Joe! And keep trying Mike and Steve!!

[Mr_Meanor]

People have to realize Drago is a punter and they don't get drafted very often. He will sign with someone and I have no doubts he will be a punter in the NFL for years to come.

[TheBisonator]

It's always left me wondering. Is there that much talent out there that our guys can't find a place and stick? Or is it the Coste thing? The guys are just not given a chance? In football it seems that if you do not find a home within a couple of years at best, your done. Am I somewhat right?
Anyway, a big congrats to Joe! And keep trying Mike and Steve!!

Professional sports franchises refuse to acknowledge that there's actually real athletic talent existing in the frozen, unmanned pioneer tundra of Fargo, North Dakota. They see the athlete's profile, see where they play, and immediately crumple up the paper and throw it in the trash. It's the stigma of living in Fargo.

[TheBisonator]

People have to realize Drago is a punter and they don't get drafted very often. He will sign with someone and I have no doubts he will be a punter in the NFL for years to come.

At least one or two punters get drafted every year. Drago should've been there.

[NDSUstudent]

Professional sports franchises refuse to acknowledge that there's actually real athletic talent existing in the frozen, unmanned pioneer tundra of Fargo, North Dakota. They see the athlete's profile, see where they play, and immediately crumple up the paper and throw it in the trash. It's the stigma of living in Fargo.

BS!! Do you think pro scouts just come for the tour of the Fabulous Fargodome or what? This has nothing to do with where NDSU is but instead everything to do with the level we play at. 253 players were drafted this year and of those 253 only 22 came from FCS schools.

[TheBisonator]

BS!! Do you think pro scouts just come for the tour of the Fabulous Fargodome or what? This has nothing to do with where NDSU is but instead everything to do with the level we play at. 253 players were drafted this year and of those 253 only 22 came from FCS schools.

Actually 24, but point taken.

[Swaghook]

He will get to pick and choose the best team out of those interested in him now as a free agent. I would think this would be a better deal maybe not money wise but for other factors for sure.

[bisoningrandforks]

I hope he signs with Denver!...I think he has the best chance to take over punting duties. I cant remember his name, but the punter they have now was not very good last year.

[X-Factor]

Professional sports franchises refuse to acknowledge that there's actually real athletic talent existing in the frozen, unmanned pioneer tundra of Fargo, North Dakota. They see the athlete's profile, see where they play, and immediately crumple up the paper and throw it in the trash. It's the stigma of living in Fargo.

huh? I'm not gonna lie, this sounds a little bitter. Drago is going to be just fine. He will find a team and play in the NFL no doubt about it. It has little to do with him playing at NDSU.

[NDSUstudent]

Actually 24, but point taken.

Sorry for this miscount but I'm glad you got the point. It sucks the FCS doesn't get more respect but Drago will get his shot. Kicker/Punter can be a revolving door with some teams so I wouldn't be surprised if gets multiple chances(if he doesn't catch on with some team right away).

[heymch86]

lets not play the "no one comes here because we're small and cold" card. that makes us sound like a bunch of losers. its just a matter of fact. drago is a punter. not often do punters get drafted. plain and simple

[NDSUstudent]

huh? I'm not gonna lie, this sounds a little bitter. Drago is going to be just fine. He will find a team and play in the NFL no doubt about it. It has little to do with him playing at NDSU.

Yeah, just look at Phil Hanson and Lamar Gordon. If you can play and catch the right scout's eye, the sky is the limit.

[BisonNeil]

I don't see Drago being drafted...punters and kickers are normally signed as undrafted FA.

Well, that's not true. Four punters/kickers drafted this year, and that is normal.

Mel Kiper had nice things to say about Drago, best punter in the draft.

But I agree, now he can pick his team.

[twowheels]

the commentators today were talking about when there were 12 rounds in the draft and even then good players were not picked up, that there are and always have been great NFL players that make it as free agents and that the successful NFL free agents are more now because of there only being 7 rounds. Drago will be one of those undrafted success stories.

[I'mWithNOSIB]

BS!! Do you think pro scouts just come for the tour of the Fabulous Fargodome or what? This has nothing to do with where NDSU is but instead everything to do with the level we play at. 253 players were drafted this year and of those 253 only 22 came from FCS schools.

This will change. There were a couple of HUGE upsets last year from FCS schools. People are starting to notice and eventually things will change (hopefully). The problem you are always going to see is that FCS players will typically go in the later portions of the draft.

As for Drago, he will be picked up in Free Agency. There is no doubt about it.

[heymch86]

no word on if he's signed yet?

[Mr. Burgundy]

Well, he didn't sign with the Vikings. I just found their list of FA pickups. tough to break into the league as a punter, but unless someone took him high...showing they LOVED him, I am glad he gets his choice! Good Luck.

Here is a list for the Viking fans.

Husain Abdullah S Washington State

Martail Burnett DE Utah

Leger Douzable DT Central Florida

Marcus Griffin S Texas

Steven Hauschka K NC State

Erin Henderson LB Maryland

Nate Jones WR Texas

Travis Key CB Michigan State

Jeremy “J” Leman LB Illinois

Tim Mattran C Stanford

Drew Radovich T USC

Darius Reynaud WR West Virginia

Brandon Sumrall CB S Mississippi

Marcus Walker CB Oklahoma

Kyle Wright QB Miami (Fla.)

Albert Young RB Iowa

[KTF]

First off, I have to say that I am disappointed that Mike did not have his number called over the past two days. Secondly, I do believe that he will get his chance at the NFL.

However it came apparent to me as I was watching the draft that the punters that were drafted also had the ability to kick. I think this is Drago's downfall.

[Kermit]

However it came apparent to me as I was watching the draft that the punters that were drafted also had the ability to kick. I think this is Drago's downfall.

ONE (that's right..one) punter was drafted by the 32 NFL teams. http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/position?id=94&draftyear=2008

Clearly some free agent punters are going to have a shot at making a team. Good luck Drago!

[56BISON73]

There are appox 2618 football players on the first team in DI-A. If 258 were drafted that is only 9.65% that were picked in the 7 rounds. Lets be real here. It has NOTHING to do with lack of respect. It had more to do with the position he played. GEEEZ
PL

[lakesbison]

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=NFL+free+agent+signing&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=news_result&resnum=4&ct=title

should have the list of most of the NFL teams FA's here.

Drago isn't on any of them.


LINK TO ALL THE PUNTERS IN THE NFL

http://www.nfl.com/players/search?category=position&filter=punter&playerType=current&conference=ALL

DRAGO WILL BE ON THAT TOMORROW!!