The University of Idaho was shut out from the NFL draft in 2013 but that doesn’t mean that a select few Vandal alumni haven’t been able to attempt to make the cut in the NFL.
Here is the latest on the NFL Vandals.
Gary Walker – Safety – Baltimore Ravens
Idaho’s leading tackler in 2012 had a relatively quiet OTA period with the Ravens. With the safety spots wide open for the defending Super Bowl champions it was rookie Matt Elam and new signee Michael Huff that got off to quick starts over Gary Walker. Still, Walker will have all summer to make an impression. It’s likely the Ravens see Walker as mainly a special teams type of player and not necessarily a starting type player.
Benson Mayowa – Defensive end – Seattle Seahawks
Mayowa was a surprise signee of the Seattle Seahawks. Invited to their rookie mini-camps over graduation weekend, Mayowa was one of two players signed following the camp. His chances to make the roster have increased with defensive end Bruce Irvin’s four game suspension due to violating the substance abuse policy. Mayowa impressed coaches with his speed and motor coming off the edge.
Justin Veltung – Wide receiver – Seattle Seahawks
Veltung participated in the same rookie mini-camp that Mayowa did, but wasn’t extended a contract offer until a few weeks after. Veltung will be thrust into a crowded wide receiver picture in Seattle, but his asset will be his ability in special teams. Veltung was a talented return man for Idaho when healthy. With Seattle moving on from Leon Washington they could be looking to see what Veltung can do there, in order to not have to rely on the oft-injured Percy Harvin there.
Bobby Cowan – Punter – Free Agent
Bobby Cowan was signed shortly following the draft by the Oakland Raiders, presumably to compete for the starting punter job with Shane Lechler, Unfortunately for Cowan, he was a casualty of the Raiders signing of veteran Chris Kluwe. Cowan is now a free agent.
Also keep an eye on…
Korey Toomer – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks
Toomer was a fifth round selection by Seattle in 2012, but spent the entire season on the practice squad. With the departure of Leroy Hill there is all of a sudden need for depth in Seattle’s linebacking core, and coaches will be looking at Toomer to make an impact in the competition there. With his asset being his speed and athleticism he could also make a big impact in special teams.
Trey Farquhar – Kicker – Free Agent
Idaho’s small, big-legged kicker hasn’t gotten any invites to training camp yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen at all. Even with 85-man training camp rosters it’s rare to see a team have more than two kickers. But injuries happen, as do other things throughout the summer grind of training camp. Farquhar is capable of making any NFL kick, with the question being his capabilities outside a dome and consistency. He could get the call.
Sean Kramer can be reached at [email protected]