Brown, Branson get chance despite being undrafted

A long, trying weekend came to a welcomed end for the former University of Central Arkansas duo of Nathan Brown and Marquez Branson.

Both anticipating being selected on the second day of the NFL draft, many hours went by without much of an inkling of what the future would hold. Sunday's portion began with the third round, and round after round went by with no mention of either former Bear standout.

Not even a phone call, and the tension mounted and grew increasingly stronger.

"On every other day, my phone rings off the hook," said Brown, the most prolific passer in Arkansas collegiate football history. On Sunday, I couldn't buy a call."

A call finally came in the sixth round. Representatives of the Minnesota Vikings were inquiring about Brown's interest in playing in the twin cities.

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After a few more calls from other teams, Brown still hadn't been selected in the draft and didn't have a pro football home. That's how the draft ended but not Brown's status.

The Jacksonville Jaguars came calling, and Brown jumped at the offer. The two side agreed to terms for a free-agent deal Sunday night.

"When I got that call, that lifted a huge burden," Brown said. "It's just exciting to get an opportunity. I think I got into a good situation with Jacksonville, and I'm ready to go down there and get started."

Not to be left out, Branson got the call late in the seventh round. The Denver Broncos signed the former UCA tight end to a free-agent deal as well.

"It's a great feeling," Branson said. "It's been a dream of mine for a long time."

Both players had been projected by some scouts to be selected between rounds five and seven. That didn't happen, but when all was said and done, that didn't seem to matter too much.

"Yeah, it was difficult sitting there waiting to hear your name called and not get drafted," Brown said. "But in the end, it doesn't matter how you get there. What matters is what you do when you get there."

Now, Brown is one of four quarterbacks listed on the Jaguars' roster. David Garrard, who threw for 3,620 yards with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, returns as the starter. Cleo Lemon, an Arkansas State alum, is the projected backup, as Paul Smith, a rookie from Tulsa.

So Brown, who passed for more than 10,000 yards in his career at UCA and threw 100 touchdowns, is hoping to beat out at least one of those on the final depth chart.

"My goal is to come in and be competing for the No. 3 quarterback spot right away," Brown said. "I think they're planning on keeping at least three. I just have to go in there and compete and show them I can be an NFL quarterback."

Brown is no stranger to the Jaguar coaching staff. Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio and his assistants coached the South team during the Senior Bowl. Brown was a member of the North team, making him the first ever UCA player to be selected for the Senior Bowl, and got to meet Del Rio and company.

That's not to say Brown won't feel much pressue. That, though, is OK with him.

"All of my career, I've been in pressure situations," Brown said. "I thrive in those pressure situations, and I hope that's a trend that can continue."

While the position Brown will play may not be in question, there may be a little more challenge with Branson.

Branson has been projected to play tight end or H-back. He may also be a special teams player.

But, Branson isn't too picky where he is on the field.

"I just want to show I'm a solid player," Branson said. "I want to show them I can play at that level."

Branson's signing with the Broncos marks the second time in recent years Denver has acquired a UCA tight end via free agency. Landon Trusty, who played at UCA from 2000-03, signed with the Broncos in 2006 but missed the season due to injury and was waived in 2007.

Rookie minicamps are soon approaching for NFL teams. Many rookies will no doubt be cut before the final roster is announced.

That's why there's still plenty of work to be done.

"It's an uphill battle from here," Brown said. "I'm excited, though. It's definitely the opportunity of a lifetime."

"There's a lot of excitement," Branson said. "I'm just ready to go out there and go to work."

Going through free agency instead of being drafted isn't always bad. In fact, many notable players have gone on to successful careers after being aquired through free agency.

That list includes Arkansas' Jason Peters, Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Antonio Gates, Priest Holmes, Jeff Garcia, Jake Delhomme, Adam Vinatieri, Rod Smith, Wayne Chrebet and Hall of Famers Willie Brown and Dick "Night Train" Lane.