Three Former Cowboys Will Get Their Shot at Pro Football
Outside of Josh Allen, no other former Wyoming Cowboys heard their names called in the NFL Draft last weekend.
There is good news for three that signed deals with professional teams after it was over.
Cornerback Rico Gafford received an offer from the Tennessee Titans Saturday after the draft. The two-year starter at cornerback was a Second-Team All-Mountain West performer in 2017.
Gafford ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any draft-eligible player in the country this year. It took place at Wyoming’s Pro Day on March 23. Gafford was timed between 4.26 and 4.19 seconds by scouts in attendance. He also played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at the Rose Bowl back in January.
Gafford led Wyoming with six pass breakups last season and was second with four interceptions. He returned one of those for a touchdown against Texas State.
During his career, Gafford intercepted six passes, had 11 pass break-ups and recorded 103 career tackles.
Various media reports say the Titans targeted Gafford as a priority as soon as the draft concluded. Tennessee had contact with him at the Collegiate Bowl and Wyoming’s Pro Day.
Two other former Pokes have received an invite to a rookie mini-camp. They are fullback Drew Van Maanen and offensive lineman Ryan Cummings. They were extended and have accepted offers to join the Houston Texas for their rookie mini-camp. It’s slated for May 7-11. Van Maanen and Cummings will be out to showcase their skills and try to earn a free-agent offer and an invite to training camp this summer.