Ron Girault's not one to let his confidence be shaken, especiallyafter becoming the leader of Rutgers' secondary.
So it should come as no surprise that the strong safety had nointerest in monitoring the NFL draft, even though there was areasonable chance he'd be picked in the seventh round Sundayevening.
Teams started phoning him 90 minutes before the final choice wasannounced, but his name never got called. A short while later,Girault agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraftedfree agent.
"I wasn't nervous, maybe more anxious than anything," Giraultsaid Monday. "I had a bunch of teams showing interest, but I reallyhad no idea where I'd go. I received calls from six or seven teamstelling me they were thinking about me.
"I knew that I was going to be able to get [into the NFL] and I'dbe able to help a team."
Girault, a native of Spring Valley, N.Y., who played at St.Joseph. admitted he would have liked to continue playing close tohome. The Jets were one of the teams pursuing him, yet he decidedthe Chiefs would be the best fit.
"I like the situation with their defensive backs and the kind ofdefense they play," Girault said. "I like Herman Edwards as a coachand the environment. The fans really love their players there. And acouple of their personnel guys kept calling me and said they reallywere looking forward to getting me."
Kansas City starts Bernard Pollard (strong) and Jarrad Page(free) at the safety spots and used a third-round pick on NorthCarolina State strong safety DaJuan Morgan which means Girault willhave to make a strong impression as soon as he arrives at rookieminicamp if he's going to stick.
Girault said he's added 10 pounds to his 5-foot-10 frame,bringing him to 205. He's also got the benefit of outstandingnumbers from his Pro Day workout 4.43 seconds in the 40 and 25 repsof 225 pounds and a secret weapon.
"Natural instincts I think that plays a large part. I'm a well-rounded player and smart," explained Girault, who is scheduled tograduate May 22 with a BA in sociology.
Then, Girault will try to make it in Kansas City, where formerRutgers' star and six-time Pro Bowl strong safety Deron Cherryplayed from 1981-91. Cherry was inducted into the Chiefs' Hall ofFame in 1996.
"Yes, I know about him," Girault said. "I'm looking forward to[camp]. This is going to be exciting."
SCARLET FEVER: Girault led a group of five Rutgers players toreceive deals as undrafted free agents.
Undersized defensive tackle Eric Foster (6-2, 277) landed withthe Indianapolis Colts, tackle Pedro Sosa hooked up with theMinnesota Vikings, kicker Jeremy Ito reached a deal with the New Orleans Saints and the Jets grabbed outside linebacker Brandon Renkart. Foster is expected to be moved to defensive end.
Paul Dottino Jets shuffle deck
The Jets released tight end Joe Kowalewski and fullback Stacy Tutt.
Kowalewski started two games last season and had five receptions,including a 1-yard TD against Washington. Tutt played in 11 gamesover the past two seasons, mostly on special teams.
The Jets will have a new crop of undrafted free agents at theirthree-day rookie mini-camp, which begins Friday. Those players willinclude Michigan State running back Jehuu Caulcrick, Iowa defensiveend Bryan Mattison and Auburn wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez.
J.P. Pelzman Raiders cut Rhodes
The Oakland Raiders released running back Dominic Rhodes, twodays after using their top draft pick to take big-play back Darren McFadden.
The Raiders also have Justin Fargas, LaMont Jordan and Michael Bush on the depth chart.
Dolphins want Taylor Jason Taylor might perform his sack dance with the Miami Dolphinsthis season after all.
"We want the guy back," GM Jeff Ireland said.
Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio said his team pursued a dealduring the draft, but the Dolphins took Taylor off the tradingblock.
T.O. gets sued
Dallas receiver Terrell Owens was sued by the Philadelphia Eaglesin U.S. District Court, claiming he owes almost $770,000 in bonusmoney he failed to repay following a suspension from his former teamin 2005.
The Eagles said Owens owes the money after a January ruling by anNFL arbitrator that found the team was entitled to recoup it.
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