It has been 13 years since a McNeese State football player was drafted by the NFL.
That’s when the Kansas City Chiefs selected Quinten Lawrence as the second pick in the sixth round. He was the 175th player taken in the 2009 draft.
It’s been since 1999 when two Cowboys were picked in the same draft. There is a chance that could change this week.
Isaiah Chambers and Jamal Pettigrew are two former McNeese players who are being looked at by NFL teams. The draft begins today and runs through Saturday. If they don’t get picked both are likely to be invited to some camps as free agents.
“People have told me it can be better to be a free agent and pick your team, but I really want to hear my name called,” Chambers said. “That’s been my life-long dream, to hear my name on draft day.
“I’m just ready for it to go either way.”
Both played two seasons at McNeese, Chambers coming from Houston while Pettigrew transferred from LSU. Each came to McNeese to enhance their playing time and draft status. They got to play in 18 games in the same calendar year, the spring and fall seasons of 2021.
“I wanted to put some games on tape for scouts,” said Pettigrew, a 6-foot-7, 244-pounder.
The tight end caught seven passes for 92 years and one touchdown in the fall. He worked out as a solid blocker, finishing with an 83-percent grade, according to McNeese.
He has made the most of his showing at LSU’s pro day this spring, turning heads with his athletic ability.
“I see myself as a playmaker although I’m willing to do anything for the team,” Pettigrew said. “If the coaches want me to primarily be a blocker, I’m fine with it, although I can be a great receiver when asked to. Most of my special teams experience happened during my days at LSU.”
While at McNeese, Chambers was the bigger name. He was the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year twice and finished with 17.5 sacks in 18 games, earning all-American honors as a defensive end both seasons.
“My time at McNeese was great,” Chambers said. “A lot of things happened with the pandemic and hurricanes, but I never thought about leaving. It became home to me.”
Chambers was clearly the best player on the team and one of the best in the league despite McNeese winning seven games of the 18 games. Now he’s hoping that his hard work pays off.
“This place worked out for me,” Chambers said. “It was a great opportunity for me and I came here to showcase my talents and become the man.”
While Pettigrew is a wild card in the draft, Chambers is likely on the bubble, meaning there will be a lot of waiting and wondering when or if his name will be called.
“I can only imagine to be honest,” Chambers said. “I mean, we have all seen videos and we all watch the draft and see all those other guys be excited about it so I am just waiting for my moment to see how I feel. Probably two years ago, or a couple of years ago someone probably would have said, ‘Nah, he’s probably not going to get this opportunity.’ But I just keep grinding and keep working and it’s here now.”
As for being drafted alongside another Cowboy, Chambers said, “That would be crazy, just crazy.”
It would also make a like McNeese history.
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