Posted on Thu, May. 08, 2008

Versatility gives Martin ex shot with Packers

By TOBIAS XAVIER LOPEZ

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Versatility can go a long way for an undrafted NFL rookie free agent. Ryan Considine might possess enough of it to catch on permanently with the Green Bay Packers.

The former Arlington Martin offensive lineman was signed by the Packers after a four-day tryout over the weekend.

During his college career at Louisiana Tech, Considine said, he played every position along the offensive line and even picked up deep snapping as yet another skill to offer with an eye toward making it to the NFL.

"They asked if anyone could [deep snap] at Tech or if anyone wanted to try to do it," Considine said. "I'd heard that helps you get into the NFL and stay there, so I just started practicing as a freshman and just kind of got better every year."

Considine (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) spent his tryout at left tackle and was put through the wringer. The tryout concluded Sunday with a briefing among the prospects. As Considine made his way out of the meeting, he was pulled aside by Green Bay officials and offered a contract.

He's an example of the perils and rewards facing undrafted rookie free agents, who chase their dreams with low visibility. The average signing bonus for undrafted free agents is $5,000, according to the NFL Players Association.

However, with the option to sign with a team a player has the most favorable chance to make, the free-agent route can sometimes be more rewarding than being a late-round selection.

Considine has only taken the first step. He'll report back to Green Bay on May 18 for the first round of organized team activities, or OTAs.

"Right now I just want to get back there and learn the playbook as quick as I can, because that will be a big advantage," he said. "Hopefully I can learn the playbook and just stay in camp. That's really the short-term goal; just stay there, don't get cut and then just see what happens from there."

Considine is one of several former local prep stars who are taking the undrafted free-agent route to the NFL. Here's a look at a few others:

Brandon Foster CB, Texas

HS: Arlington Bowie

NFL: Indianapolis Colts

Notable: Foster started 13 of 46 career games and scored four defensive touchdowns to tie for second-most in UT history.

Garrett Hartley K, Oklahoma

HS: Southlake Carroll

NFL: Denver Broncos

Notable: Hartley made 47 career field goals, including a long of 53 yards, and a school-record 81 percent of his field-goal attempts.

Lance Leggett WR, Miami

HS: Arlington Grace Prep

NFL: Cleveland Browns

Notable: The 6-3 Leggett is a former track star who finished his college career with 85 receptions for 1,375 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Joe Jon Finley TE, Oklahoma

HS: Arlington High

NFL: San Francisco 49ers

Notable: Former prep quarterback was used mostly as a blocker. He caught 23 passes with four touchdowns as a senior.