Pleasantville grad Lockett signs with Browns; Eagles sign sevenDWeinberg@pressofac.com
By DAVID WEINBERG
Published: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Pleasantville High School graduate Kyle Lockett is going to get his chance to play in the NFL.Lockett, a defensive tackle from Urbana University in Ohio, was bypassed in the draft but signed a rookie free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, according to his agent.Jon Rabinowitz, of Global Sports Management in Louisville, Ky., said his client was due to attend the Browns' post-draft minicamp Thursday through Sunday. If things don't work out with the Browns, Rabinowitz said in a phone interview Monday, Lockett has been invited to attend the Baltimore Ravens' minicamp the following weekend.Lockett could not be reached for comment Monday.The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder worked out for NFL scouts prior to the draft during a pro day at Ohio State, then had another meeting at Urbana, which is an NAIA school located outside of Columbus, Ohio.
As of Monday night, three other local NFL-eligible players - Delaware guard Rich Beverly (Southern Regional), Vanderbilt guard Josh Eames (Lower Cape May Regional) and Miami long snapper John Rochford (Mainland Regional) - had not signed with any team.Eagles sign sevenThe Philadelphia Eagles signed seven free agents Monday: Hofstra cornerback Kyle Arrington, Washington State fullback Jed Collins, Middle Tennessee State tackle Franklin Dunbar, Penn State wide receiver Terrell Golden, Nebraska wide receiver Frantz Hardy, Delaware State wide receiver Shaheer McBride and Kansas State linebacker Justin Roland.Of that group, Collins would seem to have the best chance to stick. The Eagles are looking for a fullback to replace Thomas Tapeh, who signed with Minnesota. Jason Davis and former New England and Indianapolis defensive tackle Dan Klecko are the other candidates. Collins played tight end at Washington State as a junior and senior after playing fullback and linebacker for two seasons.They will all participate in the Eagles' minicamp at the NovaCare Complex from Saturday-Monday.EXTRA POINTS: According to published reports, the Jacksonville Jaguars are interested in trading for Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard.Sheppard is a Jacksonville native, having starred at Raines High School. Eagles safety Brian Dawkins and former wide receiver Harold Carmichael also played there.Eagles coach Andy Reid indicated Sunday that it would take an incredible offer for him to deal Sheppard, however, despite the addition of Asante Samuel during free agency.To e-mail David Weinberg at The Press:
DWeinberg@pressofac.com
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