4/29/2023 football Edit

FSU football NFL free agent tracker

Bob Ferrante • TheOsceola

Editor

The seven-round NFL Draft wrapped up on Saturday with Jammie Robinson being selected in the fifth round by the Carolina Panthers.

A number of Florida State players then had opportunities to sign free agent deals, including Dillan Gibbons, Camren McDonald, Ontaria Wilson, Wyatt Rector, Robert Cooper and Jazston Turnetine.

We're tracking them below:

Camren McDonald signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers on Saturday after the conclusion of the NFL Draft.

McDonald played in 58 games at FSU, starting 30 (every game in 2020 as well as 11 in 2021 and 10 in 2023). He had 74 receptions for 861 yards and five touchdowns in his career.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound McDonald caught 21 passes for 312 yards and a touchdown last fall. His 14.9-yard average per catch was considerably better than the 10-yard average in 2021.

McDonald evolved from a flexed out tight end to an in-line tight end at FSU. While blocking wasn’t where he excelled, McDonald added strength and showed some improvement through the years.

He was also known for his non-profit work, helping to feed the homeless in Tallahassee and becoming a certified yoga instructor during the pandemic. McDonald taught free yoga classes to students in the offseason.

Ontaria Wilson signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday following the end of the NFL Draft.

Wilson played in 51 games (38 starts) at FSU. He caught 108 passes for 1,521 yards and 12 touchdowns. His best season came in his final year at FSU as he pulled in 30 receptions for 495 yards and four touchdowns. Wilson caught 30 passes in the 2020 and ’22 seasons.

A member of the 2017 class, committing to Jimbo Fisher, Wilson took a redshirt and converted to receiver. He averaged 16.6 yards and 16.5 yards per catch in his final two years.

Robert Cooper signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday following the end of the NFL Draft.

Cooper played in 51 games (starting 41) at FSU. Arriving at nearly 400 pounds, Cooper gradually slimmed down and went into the NFL Draft at 335 pounds.

He recorded 123 tackles, including 13 for loss, and 2.5 sacks in his career. Cooper played in 13 games in 2022, picking up 19 tackles (three apiece against Florida and Oklahoma) and was an honorable-mention All-ACC pick. He earned the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award.

After a few days of radio silence for the remaining unsigned Seminoles, former walk-on quarterback turned scholarship tight end Wyatt Rector will have his chance at an NFL roster spot. His agent announced on Twitter Tuesday night that Rector has accepted a rookie mini camp invite for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Rector has the unique claim of being able to say he threw, rushed and caught a touchdown during his time with the Seminoles. He was also a special-teams superstar, something that could make him a potential NFL roster asset as he tries to find a spot on a roster or practice squad.

Former Seminoles make deals

Boston College defensive back Jaiden Woodbey agreed to a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Rams.

Arkansas State quarterback James Blackman agreed to a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Marshall running back Khalan Laborn agreed to a free agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

NC State defensive tackle Cory Durden agreed to a free agent deal with the Detroit Lions.