Parham gets invite

The Virginia Cavaliers had six players eligible for the draft this year. Of the six, five were selected. Included with first round pick D’Brickashaw Ferguson (NY Jets) were fifth-rounders Brad Butler (Buffalo) and Marques Hagans (St. Louis), and sixth-rounders Wali Lundy (Houston) and kicker Kurt Smith (San Diego).

However, inside linebacker Kai Parham was not drafted. At 6-3 255 pounds Parham was considered a huge disappointment to many scouts that graded him. He is considered tough, smart, and highly competitive, but lacks speed and quickness. His 40 speed was all of 5.02 and though he runs and reacts well between the tackles, his lack of speed makes it difficult for him to cover tight ends and running backs in the open field. His best shot to make a club is going to be as an inside linebacker in a 3-4.

Perhaps that is why he has been invited to participate in a three day mini camp with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys switched to the 3-4 last year and made significant strides in building a solid defensive unit last season, however, they have noted that the linebacker position is one where they would like to add depth. Inside the Cowboys currently have recently acquired free agents Akin Ayodele and Rocky Boiman, as well as last years contributors Bradie James, Ryan Fowler, and Scott Shanle.

Bradie James is a lock. You would figure the same will be said about the free agent pick ups. Scott Shanle will be very hard to unseat. He is a Parcells’ guy who had a solid season last year on the inside and as a standout on special teams. That leaves former Duke standout (that’s right, I said Duke) Fowler.

It is doubtful that the Cowboys will keep more then 5 inside linebackers on the active roster. Parham will need to excel on special teams and will need to go toe to toe with Fowler during camp. The practice squad is also a possibility, but Parham will have to impress the Cowboys from the start.

That start is a three day mini camp this weekend. Parham, though undrafted, has a chance to make an impression with one of the NFL’s finest coaches in a system that gives him the best chance to succeed. That is more then he could say after watching five teammates get drafted this past weekend.

- Stephen Winslow