Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: Sports

Former Eastern defensive end Pierre Walters was not among the 256 players selected during Saturday and Sunday's NFL Draft, but he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. (Eric Hiltner/The Daily Eastern News)

Pierre Walters was almost Mr. Irrelevant.

The former Eastern linebacker/defensive end could have been the No. 256 pick in the NFL Draft, but his agent called and told him the Kansas City Chiefs offered Walters a free-agent contract.

"I was supposed to be Mr. Irrelevant," Walters said.

Mr. Irrelevant is the title given to the final player picked in the seven-round draft, held Saturday and Sunday at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Instead, the Chiefs selected South Carolina kicker Ryan Succop as the last pick in the draft, and Succop earned that honor.

Walters began talking to his agent on the phone during the sixth round of the draft and was talking to him frequently throughout the seventh round.

"It was kind of rough," Walters said.

But he said the Chiefs turned out to be a good choice, with a new coach and a 3-4 defensive system.

Walters said he could fit in as a rushing linebacker.

The Chiefs drafted one linebacker, and they have eight linebackers listed on their roster.

Walters said four teams were in the mix at the end, the Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons.

"I was stressed out," Walters said. "My eyes never left the TV. I didn't think it was going to be hard waiting."

The 6-foot-4, 269-pounder from Westchester St. Joseph High School had worked out for different teams, including the Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears.

Walters received a $5,000-signing bonus and is waiting to hear for more information from the Chiefs.

"I'm going to take it and run," Walters said. "This is just another blessing."

He finished the 2008 season with 48 tackles (18 solo, 30 assisted) while leading the team with 16.5 tackles for loss.


Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.

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