BOISE, Idaho — The 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and for the first time 2009, a player from Boise State did not hear their name called. The program's streak of having at least one selection was snapped at 14 years this past weekend.
Despite the end of impressive run, a trio of former Broncos will still get a chance in the NFL after signing a free agent deal or receiving an invite to a rookie minicamp. Four University of Idaho standouts also earned professional opportunities following the Vandals' historic 2023 season under head coach Jason Eck.
Immediately following the conclusion of the draft Saturday evening, former Boise State running back George Holani signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Holani's contract includes a $15,000 signing bonus and $100,000 of his base salary guaranteed.
The durability of the 5-foot-11, 210-pound back may have deterred teams from drafting him in the top 257, but Holani has been extremely productive when healthy, boasting a pair of 1,000-yard seasons and 34 total touchdowns in the blue and orange.
During Boise State's Pro Day earlier this spring, Cade Beresford told KTVB all he wanted was a shot in the NFL. While he went undrafted, it appears the two-time All-Mountain West offensive tackle is getting that shot.
Beresford's agent confirmed to KTVB that he will be attending rookie minicamp with the New Orleans Saints. The Washington native drew interest from multiple other teams, including the Seattle Seahawks.
The 6-foot-6, 300-pound lineman started in all 27 games at Boise State after transferring from Washington State, where he also started at right guard in eight of the Cougars' final nine games during the 2021 season.
Boise State football on Tuesday announced fellow offensive lineman Ethan Carde received a minicamp invite from the Denver Broncos.
Carde worked out in front of representatives from 17 different NFL teams at Pro Day, where he measured in at 6-foot-8 and 310 pounds, with a 79-inch wingspan. He cleared nine reps on the bench press, 21.5 inches on the vertical jump and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.61 seconds.
The Tampa native appeared in 13 games in his lone season in the blue and orange, lining up at left tackle, left guard and tight end. Carde transferred to Boise State after three seasons at Texas Tech and one at Coffeyville Community College.
Former Idaho All-American wide receiver Hayden Hatten is also headed to Seattle after signing an undrafted free agent deal with the Seahawks.
Hatten finished his Vandal career with a program record 33 touchdown receptions and second all-time with 3,449 receiving yards and receptions with 244. During his redshirt junior season, Hatten turned 93 receptions into 1,231 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games.
Hatten's twin brother and teammate Hogan Hatten also earned an opportunity in the league, signing as a long snapper for the Detroit Lions. Hogan recorded 93 total tackles during his career in Moscow.
Another star coming out of the Palouse is Jermaine Jackson, who not only shined at wide receiver, but also proved to be an electric kick returner. Jackson is headed to play for the New Orleans Saints after signing a free agent deal on Saturday night.
Based on the contract deals, the Saints really wanted the former Vandal, with Jackson reportedly getting a $10,000 signing bonus and $150,000 of his base salary guaranteed.
The 5-foot-7, 170-pound burner out of Oakland had 48 receptions for 593 yards in 2023. He averaged 18.44 yards on 18 punt returns and 26.56 per kickoff return. Jackson was a two-time Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week and second team All-Big Sky honoree.
Idaho football on Sunday announced former tight end TJ Ivy Jr. received a rookie camp invite from the New York Jets. Ivy transferred to Idaho from Coastal Carolina prior in the summer prior to the 2023 campaign.
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass catcher appeared in 12 games, recording 16 receptions, 287 total yards and two touchdowns. In the Vandals' win over Nevada, Ivy had a season-high 82 receiving yards.
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