South Carolina Football: Undrafted Gamecocks Finally Land on NFL Teams

Earlier in the year I posted a piece discussing the fact that the NFL draft was full of disappointment for many of the Gamecocks who were a part of it. 

With the lockout lifted and the NFL back to business, those disappointments have turned into excitement for seven former Gamecock players. 

Some situations are better than others, but the positive point is that they are all getting a shot at their dreams. As fans, we should root for their success.

Tori Gurley: Green Bay Packers

This is quite possibly the happiest ending the Tori Gurley situation could have. He is going to a team with a fantastic quarterback and one of the strongest wide receiver groups in the NFL. 

Gurley can sit, learn and contribute down the road. 

Look for him to slowly blossom into a good NFL player. 

Weslye Saunders: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh has gotten a steal in Weslye Saunders, who could actually come in and contribute as a backup tight end immediately, assuming he has stayed in shape. 

When healthy and focused, Wes is a beast on the field, and has excellent hands and speed for a man of his size. 

Ladi Ajiboye: Seatle Seahawks

A pleasant surprise, Ladi gets a chance with the Seattle Seahawks. As good of a player as he was in college, I didn't think he had the motor or strength to be a NFL player. 

I thought his career was over. However, there are signs of life, and I hope he makes the best of it.

Garrett Chisolm: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins will absolutely love Mr. Chisolm, an athletic lineman who will work hard to become the best he can possibly be. He may not (probably won't) make the rotation this year, but he can definitely develop into a solid NFL player.

Jarriel King: New York Giants

Jarriel King has the raw potential to be a very good—possibly starting-caliber—offensive lineman. 

His size and strength must have made him an attractive prospect to Giants coach Tom Coughlin. 

Patrick DiMarco: San Diego Chargers

Mark it down—Pat DiMarco will be a Pro Bowl fullback within five years. 

This is one of the hardest-working, smartest players to come out of South Carolina in the history of the program, and he has the perfect opportunity in front of him. DiMarco may never play a down for San Diego as they are loaded at his positions, but he will star somewhere.

Spencer Lanning: Chicago Bears

Spencer Lanning will get the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of fellow Gamecock kicker Ryan Succop, who is now one of the best kickers in the league with the Kansas City Chiefs.