Sports
Trio of Former Bobcats Find NFL Homes
By: Sean Neidig
Posted on:
Three former Ohio University football players have signed with NFL teams after going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Offensive lineman Mike McQueen, safety Ian Wells and center Lucas Powell signed on with the San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively.
McQueen was the first to find an NFL home, as he signed with the Chargers just minutes after the draft ended.
The 6-foot-7, 287-pound McQueen was named to the Mid-American Conference All-MAC Third Team following the 2015 season.
McQueen started 31 games for the Bobcats at both left guard and left tackle since joining the program in 2011.
McQueen is listed as a guard on the Chargers’ website. Of the four players listed at guard on the Chargers’ website, including McQueen, three are rookies.
Safety Ian Wells signed with the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
A starter for most of his career in Athens, Wells was a Second Team All-MAC selection this past year. Wells recorded two interceptions, 10 passes defended and eight pass breakups.
At Ohio’s pro day, the 5-foot-11, 199-pound redshirt senior ran a 4.49 40-yard dash, recorded an 11-foot-4 broad jump and a 41-inch vertical.
On the Detroit Lions website, their 2015 unofficial depth chart lists three players at strong safety and two players at free safety.
Later on Sunday, Powell signed with the in-state Cincinnati Bengals.
Powell was a three-year starter for the Bobcats and a team captain. This past year, Powell was also a Third Team All-MAC pick.
The 6-foot-3, 296-pounder also participated in Jon Gruden’s QB Camp on ESPN.
At the time this article was written, the Bengals’ team roster was not updated to include Powell but listed two others at center.