Four NC Natives get signed as NFL Undrafted Free Agents

DURHAM NC – Post NFL Draft, the undrafted free agency period opened up, and more NC natives received great news officially becoming NFL players. With all 32 teams making more phone calls to college prospects to sign them to their unofficial rosters. A total of four players were signed with Duke’s Mark Gilbert and Deon Jackson, NC State’s Cary Angeline, and NC Central’s Bryan Mills.

CB Mark Gilbert, Duke

Pittsburgh Steelers

Cornerback Mark Gilbert was the first Blue Devil to receive a call with the Pittsburgh Steelers signing him. The 6 foot 1 corner had a productive four-year stint with Duke despite some injuries, appearing in 23 games to go with 65 total tackles, seven interceptions, and 17 passes defended. The Steelers will need somebody to step up after releasing their former top cornerback Steven Nelson in the offseason. If Gilbert can remain healthy, then he could have an opportunity to crack the 53 man roster if he impresses. 

RB Deon Jackson, Duke

Indianapolis Colts

Four-year Duke starter Deon Jackson found his new home in Indianapolis with the Colts. He will be entering a crowded running back room with Jonathan Taylor and Marlon Mack but gets his chance at the next level. He racked up 2,801 total scrimmage yards with the Blue Devils along with 22 touchdowns. His versatility and ability to catch out of the backfield is what makes him an intriguing addition to a Colts team that will be airing it out and scoring a lot of points. 

TE Cary Angeline, NC State

Arizona Cardinals 

NC State native Cary Angeline will be heading to the NFC, where his former teammate will also be in Alim McNeill. The Cardinals are extremely thin at the tight end position, so this signing makes a lot of sense. At 6 foot 7, Angeline is an ideal red-zone threat and showcases freakishly athletic abilities at his size with a hefty set of hands. He was always reliable in his days with the Wolfpack capping off his career with 61 catches, 960 yards, and 12 touchdowns. 

CB Bryan Mills, NC Central

Seattle Seahawks

Bryan Mills becomes the first member of the NC Central Eagles in 2021 to advance to the NFL. It was surprising that Mills did not get drafted as he was projected to be a late-round selection. However, Seattle is not complaining about finding themselves a versatile and athletic corner. He elected not to play in 2020, which could be why he did go undrafted. In his one season at NC Central, he piled up 22 total tackles, five interceptions, and 13 passes defended, including a three-interception game. The JUCO transfer is a solid open-field tackler and will get the privilege to play for a great defensive mind in Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. 

There is still a chance we witness more North Carolina natives get signed post-draft, but Gilbert, Johnson, Angeline, and Mills all attempt to write their underdog stories at the next level.