NFL Draft 2011: Mark Herzlich, Boston College LB, Finally Gets Drafted

Mark Herzlich is a warrior in every sense of the word. Do not even mention the word "quit" to this man.

The Boston College linebacker defeated cancer and returned to school last year after doctors said he would never be able to play again.

Well, he did.

This is one of the most determined athletes in recent memory. He is a high-character, motivational leader in the locker room and a fantastic talent on the field. He has great instincts, leadership, experience and playmaking ability. He is a great tackler and is always around the ball when the play is over.

Heading into the 2011 NFL Draft, I thought he was a surefire lock to be drafted. I had him penciled as a mid-round pick and even suggested the New York Jets select him. Not only would it be a great story, he is a fantastic player and an even better person.

Somehow, much to my dismay and to that of Herzlich fans across the globe, he went undrafted in this weekend's NFL draft.

I was shocked. How could this man go undrafted?

Are you telling me 254 players were better than him? If so, you're going to get a strong argument from me that there aren't.

Thirty-two teams are going to wish they selected him, because now he has a choice to select any team he wants to play for once free agency begins. That means 31 other franchises are going to have to deal with a determined and motivated man with a mammoth chip on his shoulder.

That is, if he decides to head to the NFL right away. Herzlich could decide to shun 32 teams like they did to him.

This evening, he was the 51st overall selection in the UFL draft by Omaha, according to Darren Rovell on Twitter.

Herzlich has the star power to make people actually watch the UFL, but he is far more determined to play in the NFL to prove every organization wrong. Should he decide to play in the UFL to show teams he has the ability to play at a high level, I'll tune in to see how he does, will you?

Do you believe he has the ability to succeed in the NFL like I do? Which teams do you foresee him playing for?

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Mark Herzlich, Boston College

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 244 lbs.

Career Stats: 314 tackles, three sacks, 11 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two touchdowns

Combine Results:

40-yard Dash – 4.96

Bench Press – 29.0

Vertical Jump – 32.5

Broad Jump – 112.0

Three-Cone Drill – 7.32

20-yard Shuttle – 4.46

60-yard Shuttle – 12.2

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