Connolly goes undrafted but signs as free agent with Jaguars

The initial disappointment of not being selected in the NFL draft quickly gave way to satisfaction for Southeast Missouri State offensive lineman Dan Connolly.

Connolly had been regarded as a probable late-round pick, but his name was not among the 255 players called when the seven-round draft concluded late Sunday afternoon.

But just minutes after the draft ended, Connolly had already been contacted by Jacksonville Jaguars officials. He quickly agreed to a free-agent contract and will participate in the Jaguars' rookie minicamp this weekend.

"I was disappointed at first when I didn't get drafted. I knew that was a possibility, but I thought I had a pretty good chance," said Connolly, who spent Sunday with his family in St. Louis. "But it doesn't matter, because I'm going to camp anyway. If I had been drafted I would probably be going some place where I didn't want to go. I have just as much chance to make the team this way."

Added Connolly: "I had some other {free agent} possibilities, but I thought Jacksonville was the best chance for me. They only drafted one offensive lineman, and the coaches told me they think I have a good chance to make the squad."

Several other Southeast products, who were not expected to be drafted, are also trying to work out free-agent deals with NFL teams, but they might not know anything definite for another few days. Among those players are offensive lineman Dan Bieg, tight end Ray Goodson and kicker Derek Kutz.

Noteworthy

* Only one Ohio Valley Conference player was drafted as Tennessee Tech offensive lineman Frank Omiyale was taken by Atlanta in the fifth round. He was the 163rd overall pick.

* Southern Illinois running back Brandon Jacobs went to the New York Giants with the ninth pick of the fourth round, No. 110 overall.

* Missouri had two more players selected Sunday: Running back Damien Nash (Tennessee, fifth round, No. 142) and defensive tackle C.J. Mosley (Minnesota, sixth round, No. 191). Tigers defensive tackle Atiyyah Ellison (Carolina, third round, No. 89) was drafted Saturday.