The NFL draft lasts a long time.
The aftermath, not so long.
“The call came at 7:03 p.m.,” former Barbe High and LSU tight end DeSean Smith said Saturday night.
It was the Chicago Bears, somewhat unexpectedly, offering Smith the next best thing to getting drafted into the NFL — a free agent contract.
“I called my agent, he said take it,” Smith said. “I can’t wait.”
Smith said he talked with several NFL teams at LSU’s pro day on April 5 to audition for the scouts, but the Bears weren’t one of them.
He said he’d mostly had discussions with the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks.
But Chicago sounded just fine.
“I can’t wait,” said Smith, who was with his family in Lake Charles when the call came. “I was just pacing around the back yard … then the call came.
“I’m excited. It’s surreal. I’m thinking, ‘I’m really getting this opportunity. I’m itching to get at it.’”
Smith’s hands have never been a question.
Last year he had 10 receptions for 184 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown catch.
But, like LSU’s other tight ends, he was largely ignored in the Tigers’ passing offense, although it did improve some when Steve Ensminger took over as offensive coordinator after Les Miles was fired and Ed Orgeron became head coach in late September.
Thus Smith had no illusions of hearing his name called while watching three days of draft coverage on television.
“I kind of knew it would be (free agency),” he said. “But it was tough watching all the tight ends go in the draft. It just made me want it even more.
“It’s a great opportunity. I’m itching to get started.”
Smith said will report to Chicago for the Bears’ rookie mini-camp May 12-14.
LSU had eight players drafted, while Smith will be one of at least seven who get chance via the undrafted free agency route.
Also quickly signing as undrafted free agents Saturday night were offensive lineman Josh Boutte (Cleveland Browns), defensive end Tashawn Bower (Minnesota Vikings), wide receiver Travin Dural (New Orleans Saints), tight end Colin Jeter (Indianapolis Colts), defensive end Lewis Neal (Dallas Cowboys) and defensive back Rickey Jefferson (Oakland Raiders).
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