Can't Wait For Saturday NFL draft snub figures to motivate Illinois quarterback Altmyer

Apr. 26—***

Late in Saturday's NFL draft coverage, the talking heads on ABC/ESPN started debating whether a player was better off being picked in the late rounds or signed as a free agent. The consensus seemed to be it was better to be drafted, a sign that the player was wanted.

The reality is it just doesn't matter. Though Fernando Mendoza is a lock to stick with the Las Vegas Raiders this season, there are no guarantees for anyone.

At every turn during the lead up to the NFL draft, former Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer said all he cared about was getting a chance.

That chance will come with the Detroit Lions, who are signing the three-year Illinois starter as an undrafted free agent.

The current Lions roster lists just two quarterbacks: Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater. The playoff contender will likely have others in training camp to compete for what will be three available jobs.

The sting of being passed on in the seven-round NFL draft shouldn't last very long for Altmyer. What is more likely to stay with him is the motivational boost in trying to prove all those teams wrong.

So, the streak of not having a quarterback drafted from Illinois stretches to at least another year. Kurt Kittner was the last in 2002.Altmyer was projected to end the run. Oh well.

Tommy DeVito has shown Illinois quarterbacks they is a life in the NFL for the undrafted. After his initial deal with the New York Giants, DeVito is now with the Patriots on a multi-year deal.

Three Illinois players did get the call this weekend in the draft: edge rusher Gabe Jacas (Patriots), offensive lineman J.C. Davis (Giants) and defensive back Miles Scott (Broncos).

Jacas is joining a Super Bowl team, while Scot will be playing for a team that just fell short of the big game. He will have former teammate Pat Bryant in place to help him get comfortable.