Eight Mizzou Tigers sign undrafted free agent contracts

Former  Mizzou field goal kicker Grant Ressel was one of eight former Tigers who signed undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams after this weekend's NFL Draft. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

One year after seeing both quarterback Blaine Gabbert and defensive end Aldon Smith picked in the first ten picks of the first round in the 2011 NFL Draft, Mizzou head football coach Gary Pinkel had just one player drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Tight end Michael Egnew was the only Tiger drafted this year when the Miami Dolphins selected Egnew in the third round of this year's draft.  But that doesn't mean that there will not be any other Mizzou players receiving a chance to play in the NFL next season.

According to Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune, several departing Mizzou players signed undrafted free agent contracts with various NFL teams.

Here is a list of former Tigers who will be trying to make NFL teams in the fall after not being "officially" drafted over the weekend.

- Defensive tackle Dominique Hamilton signed a three year contract with the Oakland Raiders.
- Defensive end Jacquies Smith will join his teammate Egnew after signing with the Miami Dolphins.
- Wide receiver Wes Kemp signed a deal with the Carolina Panthers.
- Wide receiver Jerrell Jackson signed a deal with his hometown Houston Texans.
- Long snapper Beau Brinkley signed with the Tennessee Titans.
- Place kicker Grant Ressel signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Offensive guard Austin Wuebbels signed up to help protect Peyton Manning with the Denver Broncos.
- Defensive tackle Terrell Resonno signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

While it may be disappointing for some Mizzou fans to see just one Tiger player drafted this year, it is reassuring that many Tigers were swiped up as undrafted free agents, showing the Pinkel's program is continuing to produce NFL caliber players as they head into their first season in the talent-rich SEC.