While the
supplemental draft fizzled Thursday, at least one amateur football player created plenty of buzz for himself in front of NFL scouts.
According to a high-ranking team official, 15-20 clubs attended a workout by former Stony Brook offensive tackle
Michael Bamiro, a player who slipped through the cracks of the NCAA and NFL rulesbook and is now considered a free agent.
According to the Twitter feed for Fox's
Mike Garafolo, the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins were among the clubs represented.
The 6-foot-8, 344-pound Bamiro did not participate in any timed events but did impress with his athleticism and balance during positional drills. Scouts were also excited by Bamiro's incredibly long arms. Measuring in at 36 1/8," Bamiro would have ranked third among all players tested at the 2013 combine, behind
D.J. Fluker (36 3/4"),
Malliciah Goodman (36 3/8") and
Rogers Gaines (36 1/4").
Bamiro started the past three seasons at right tackle for the Seawolves, emerging as a First Team All Big South performer in 2012. He began his academic collegiate career two years earlier at Pittsburgh, however. While he did not compete in a sport because he was a full-time student, Bamiro's five potential years of athletic eligibility started in 2008 and the NCAA ruled recently that he would not be allowed to play in 2013, according
to this article from Greg Logan of Newsday.com.
The ruling occurred in plenty of time for Bamiro to apply for the NFL's supplemental draft but because he was technically eligible for April's draft (even though no one knew it), he was therefore ruled ineligible for Thursday's proceedings.
Bamiro's strange situation (and frankly, his talent) makes him unique to this year's supplemental draft prospects.
He stands apart from many of the prospects who typically are eligible to teams in July in another way, as well. Most of the supplemental draft prospects each year come with character concerns. Bamiro's coach at Stony Brook, however, praised his former all-conference right tackle.
"He's been a major part of the road to success not only as a player but as a person," Chuck Priore told Logan. "He never missed a practice, never missed a game because of injury. He stands for hard work and toughness, and he's a good person."
Based on the number of clubs represented Thursday and the positive reviews of both his workout and character, Bamiro has emerged as one of the hottest names on the market. He's certainly raw and will be attempting a giant leap in competition, but with his frame and athleticism, Bamiro is expected to receive offers from multiple clubs.
