The 2020 NFL Draft was different than ones in years past as the event was held virtually on ESPN. However, excitement was at an all-time high, especially for two wide receivers from Arkansas State that cast their names into the lot.

   Omar Bayless and Kirk Merritt were the top producers in terms of the passing game for A-State last year, and many saw potential in them and expected them to be picked in the draft. Unfortunately for the pair, neither of their names was called during the three-day event.

   But just because the players were not selected does not mean their hopes of being on an NFL team were over, as both players were signed onto different franchises as undrafted free agents after the draft concluded.

   Bayless was announced to sign with the Carolina Panthers who are undergoing a reformation of sorts with their team. The Panthers signed new head coach Matt Rhule who formerly coached at Baylor. Bayless will also have the chance to work with offensive coordinator Joe Brady who was the offensive coordinator at LSU during its dominant campaign in 2019.

   “I’m not [going to] talk about it,” Bayless said in a tweet Sunday night. “Thank you Panthers, you won’t regret it. I promise to the good Lord myself.”

   While Bayless went to the NFC South, his fellow Red Wolves alumnus Kirk Merritt took his talent to the AFC East, signing with the Miami Dolphins.

   “I want to thank the Miami Dolphins organization for this opportunity,” Merritt said in a tweet. “I can’t wait to get down to the 305 and get to work.”

   Miami is an interesting prospect to Merritt as Tua Tagovailoa, the star quarterback from Alabama, was also drafted to the Dolphins as the team looks to rebuild to be able to compete in the division. 

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