Fresno State's NFL draft streak ends, but free-agent deals await

Fresno State’s streak of having at least one player selected in the NFL Draft ended at 15 years Saturday, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the five ex-Bulldogs who agreed to free agent deals.

Among them was standout linebacker Ejiro Ederaine who will join the Washington Redskins.

“It means the world to me,” he said. “To have another opportunity to play the game I love … couldn’t be happier.”

Ederaine finished his college career with 45.5 tackles for a loss, No. 2 all-time in the Mountain West Conference.

Other former Fresno State players agreeing to deals:

▪ Linebacker Kyrie Wilson, Oakland Raiders. He totaled 271 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. He reunites with former Fresno State star quarterback Derek Carr.

▪ Cornerback Charles Washington, Detroit Lions. He wrapped up his four-year career with 202 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and three interceptions.

▪ Long snapper Dylan Detwiler, Kansas City Chiefs. He played in 45 games for the Bulldogs and had a fumble recovery in 2013.

▪ Punter Garrett Swanson, Arizona Cardinals. Swanson was the Bulldogs’ special teams player of the year after punting 67 times while averaging 42.2 yards.

Former Bulldogs running back Marteze Waller was among those who had yet to be signed. He is one of five players in Fresno State history to reach 3,000 career rushing yards, finishing with 3,108.

This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 9:45 PM with the headline "Fresno State's NFL draft streak ends, but free-agent deals await."