The Plight of UFA's

The NFL labor issue has left another casualty in its wake. All undrafted college players cannot talk to any teams until things get back to normal.

In the past, undrafted free agents were contacted by teams as soon as the draft was over. That is how Brian Hoyer ended up here two years ago.

Most players want to hear their named called at some point in the draft. Those who never get drafted can negotiate with any number of teams.

Mark Herzlich of Boston College was a victim of the labor strife. He has fought a courageous battle to continue his football career, in spite of a cancer diagnosis two years ago. Some doctors said he would never play again.

Before his diagnosis, he was expected to go in the first couple of rounds. This time, most thought he might slip to as low as the 6th or 7th. It was a shock when his name was not called.

In past years, he would have been able to negotiate with the teams that contacted him. This is not an option now.

Instead, he was a 10th round selection (51st pick overall) by the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League during their draft.

Most thought he lasted that long because of his desire to pursue a career in the NFL. If he signs with the UFL, he will be obligated to stay with the team until the league's season ends in November.

There are many college players in the same predictament as Herzlich with no end in site.