AS THE NFL draft spun through its three-day cycle this spring, Ivan Pace Jr.'s phone never rang. Through seven rounds and 259 selections in Kansas City, Missouri, all 32 teams passed on the linebacker out of Cincinnati.
He said it was "heartbreaking" not to be drafted, but at the end of the draft, it might have left Pace in a more advantageous spot.
Pace was in position to be a priority undrafted free agent. In years past, that might have meant a small signing bonus or having his pick of the best potential paths to a 53-man roster spot.