Report: Eagles sign OT who bypassed NFL Draft
Unlike other mid-round NFL Draft prospects, Michael Bamiro wasn't tied to a team that drafted him. And for the Philadelphia Eagles, they reportedly have signed an intriguing offensive tackle without having to spend a valuable draft pick.
Bamiro, a 6-foot-8, 335-pound offensive tackle who played for Stony Brook, became a free agent when it was learned he had exhausted his NCAA eligibility because he initially attended Pitt as a student in 2008 while not playing football. And he wasn't eligible for last week's supplemental draft, which is restricted to underclassmen.
Around 20 NFL teams had representatives show up for Bamiro's workout last week. Although the Eagles weren't a reported attendee, the workout was overseen by former Eagles tackle Tra Thomas.
The downside for Bamiro in not being included in the NFL Draft process was the lack of a significant signing bonus, although FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reported the Eagles have guaranteed more of his base salary during the first two seasons.
Bamiro is likely a developmental tackle for the Eagles this season. First-round pick Lane Johnson is expected to start at right tackle, although he could be the eventual replacement for Jason Peters on the left side, potentially opening up a starting job for Bamiro.
Bamiro started the past three seasons at right tackle for the Seawolves, emerging as a First Team All Big South performer in 2012. He began his academic collegiate career two years earlier at Pittsburgh, however. While he did not compete in a sport because he was a full-time student, Bamiro's five potential years of athletic eligibility started in 2008 and the NCAA ruled recently that he would not be allowed to play in 2013.
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