Offensive tackle Wade Smith and receiver Travis Anglin led agroup of five Tiger players who were either drafted or signed freeagent contracts with NFL teams over the weekend.
Smith, who lettered for two years at tight end and two as anoffensive tackle, was drafted in the third round by the MiamiDolphins. He was the 78th player taken in the draft and became thehighest drafted Tiger offensive lineman since tackle Jeff Walkerwas taken as the 70th player in the 1987 draft.
Anglin, who served as the Tigers' quarterback for three seasonsbut played receiver in 2002, was drafted by the Detroit Lions inthe seventh round. The speedy receiver was the 260th player takenin 2003 and was the first Tiger drafted by the Lions since TonySemple was selected in 1994. Anglin led the Tigers in receiving in2002 with 55 pass receptions for 740 yards and five touchdowns.
The University of Memphis had three players from the 2002 squadwho signed free agent contracts with NFL teams.
Center Jimond Pugh, who started for three consecutive seasons,signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while offensive guard JoeGerda inked a free agent agreement with the Minnesota Vikings.Defensive tackle/end Tony Brown signed with the Carolina Pantherswhere he will join former Tiger teammate Reginald Howard.
