One of the biggest surprises from the NFL draft was that TCU wide receiver Eric McAlister went undrafted after being one of the best wideouts in the country.
McAlister led the Big 12 in receiving with 1,190 yards and caught 10 touchdowns, earning third-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors. The Azle native had 762 yards and five touchdowns for TCU in 2024 and 873 yards and five touchdowns at Boise State in 2023.
So why did such a productive receiver go undrafted and, as of Monday morning, remain unsigned as a free agent?
There are a number of factors contributing to McAlister’s plummet.
First, he suffered a Jones fracture in his foot at TCU’s Pro Day on March 26, a TCU source confirmed. A Jones fracture is a break of the fifth metatarsal — the bone that joins the pinkie toe to the base of the foot. The injury typically requires surgery, with the usual recovery time three to four months.
Before the injury, McAlister’s testing numbers didn’t blow scouts away, and there were already questions about his speed and athleticism.
McAlister also had legal troubles that could have affected his draft standing. The Star-Telegram reported in September 2024 that McAlister was arrested on March 15 that year on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
McAlister was also charged with a second count of terroristic threat causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury, which is a misdemeanor. According to his indictment, he was accused of threatening a man with a gun.
McAlister pleaded guilty on Aug. 28, 2024, to the second count, while the assault count was waived, according to Tarrant County court records. McAlister had been arrested for a second time Aug. 19 for violating the conditions of his bond, court documents state. McAlister submitted a urine test that was positive for THC on July 31, 2024.
McAlister’s exit from Boise State in 2023 also could’ve played a factor in his draft drop, as he entered the transfer portal midway through the season and missed the Broncos’ final five games. According to multiple sources, there was friction between McAlister and his head coach at the time, Andy Avalos, who later became TCU’s defensive coordinator.
An ill-timed injury and character concerns all contributed to McAlister still not having a home after the conclusion of the draft. It doesn’t mean his NFL dreams are over, as he’s still a 6-foot-3 receiver with impressive film and stats.
McAlister will likely get his shot at some point, though it could come much later than expected.
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