Nine former Big Sky Conference players have agreed to free-agent contracts with NFL squads following the conclusion of the 75th NFL Draft.
Eastern Washington quarterback Matt Nichols, the Big Sky’s all-time leading passer, signed a free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys where he’ll try to follow in the footsteps of another former Football Championship Subdivision star. Dallas starter and Pro-Bowler Tony Romo made the Cwoboys as an undrafted rookie free agent following an All-American career at Eastern Illinois.
Nichols, a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder from Cottonwood, Calif., was the Big Sky Offensive MVP in 2007 and 2009. He finished fourth in voting for the Walter Payton Award in 2009 after throwing for 3,830 yards with 33 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
One of Nichols’ top targets – tight end Nathan Overbay – signed with the Denver Broncos. Overbay, a 6-foot-5, 270-pounder from Chehalis, Wash., earned All-Big Sky honors in 2009 after catching 51 passes for 588 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Offensive lineman Levi Horn, of Spokane, Wah., and tight end Steven Pfahler of the Montana Grizzlies also signed deals. Horn (6-6, 327) inked with the Chicago Bears. He was an All-Big Sky performer in 2009, helping the Grizzlies to the Division I National Championship game. Pfahler (6-5, 245), of Frenchtown, Mont., agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans drafted Montana wide receiver Marc Mariani (Havre, Mont.) in the seventh round of the draft. Montana safety Shann Schillinger (Baker, Mont.) was tabbed in the sixth round by the Atlanta Falcons.
Big Sky Defensive MVP Dane Fletcher of Bozeman, Mont., signed with the New England Patriots. The 6-2, 245-pound All-American registered a league-best 17.5 tackles for loss to go along with 6.5 sacks in 2009.
Bobcat teammate Jeff Hansen (6-4, 290), an All-American offensive guard from Great Falls, Mont., signed with the San Diego Chargers. Hansen started 44 straight games for the Bobcats.
Northern Arizona running back Alex Henderson (5-10, 205) agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams. Henderson, from Calabasas, Calif., rushed for 1,171 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning All-Big Sky honors in 2009. He finished his career with 3,461 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Weber State cornerback Josh Morris (6-0, 185) agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles. The All-American from Ada, Okla., recorded 38 tackles with two interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2009. Wildcat center Kyle Mutcher (6-3, 300) of Park City, Utah, is headed to the Buffalo Bills. Mutcher, a consensus All-American, was plagued by injuries in 2009, but was still an All-Conference selection.
Weber State wide receiver Tim Toone was selected with the final pick in the seventh round on Sunday by the Detroit Lions.