Pairs of ‘Cats Earn NFL Invites
By Danny Waldo
Their time in the Blue and Gold may have come to an end, but thanks to invitations to rookie mini-camps, the careers of Mac Bignell and Bryson McCabe will continue for at least a little while longer.
Bignell, a preseason All-American candidate received an invite from the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, while McCabe, a second-team All-Big Sky honoree earned an invite from the up-and-coming Cleveland Browns.
Bignell and McCabe both had highly successful senior campaigns, but neither expected to hear his name called during the NFL draft. However, after a strong showing at their MSU Pro Day earlier this spring, both figured they might be given a chance via the undrafted free agency route.
Bignell, a native of Drummond, Montana finished his career at MSU as one of the most productive linebackers in program history. Bignell forced eight fumbles over his career, tying a school record. He also collected 35 tackles for loss, which puts among the top defensive players in Big Sky Conference history. His consistent performance earned him several Big Sky Conference weekly player awards, in addition to earning First-Team All-Big Sky during his senior season.
McCabe, the transfer from South Dakota State, made the most of his second chance in Bozeman, becoming a steady contributor on the back end of the Bobcats’ defense from his safety position. In his final season in Bozeman, McCabe lead the ‘Cats in pass breakups, while finishing third on the team in tackles (75), earning him second-team all-league honors.
Both Bignell and McCabe will now try to parlay their rookie camp invitation into a fall camp invitation later this summer, and hopefully, a final roster slot come next fall. While the path will be difficult, undrafted rookies have had great success in the NFL. Among those who traveled the undrafted route were former Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, Tony Romo, and Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, among others.
Danny Waldo is a local freelance writer covering Montana State Bobcat and Bozeman Hawk athletics.
