Photo Credit: Harley Taylor
While Reggie Floyd was likely disappointed to not be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, he had a deal in place with an NFL team minutes after the conclusion of this year's draft.
I want to thank the Cardinals organization for taking a chance with me and you will not forgot it!!!!! For everyone else you in trouble now I’ll never forget it#BrickByBrick
— Reggie Floyd (@FloydTough_1) April 25, 2020
Reggie Floyd agreed to a contract with the Arizona Cardinals after being an undrafted free agent for only minutes. Floyd is not the first Virginia Tech undrafted free agent to sign with the Cardinals as Jonathan McLaughlin signed with the Cardinals after the 2017 NFL Draft most recently.
Reggie Floyd was a steadying force on the back end of Virginia Tech's defense as a three-year starter at rover who started 36 of the 51 games he played in. Floyd's senior season wasn't as productive as hoped with 69 tackles including 1 for loss, but he did have a career high 8 pass breakups, showing his growth in coverage. Overall, Floyd finished his career as one of the better box-to-box safeties Virginia Tech has had this century with 230 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups.
Floyd does bring intriguing size to the NFL at 6' and 220 pounds per Virginia Tech with his likely position being strong safety at the next level. However, Floyd's size could allow for teams to consider trying to use him at linebacker given him comfort working as a box-to-box safety, his effectiveness making plays as a run defender, and his size and frame that may allow him to add a few more pounds and not be undersized whatsoever at linebacker.
The undrafted free agent route is the road less traveled to the NFL, but plenty of players have made it to the NFL despite not being drafted including multiple Hokies.
The list of Hokies recently includes Brandon Facyson, who in his second season with the Los Angeles Chargers finished with 41 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 pass deflection while starting 4 of the Chargers' games this past season. That recent list also includes Joey Slye who latched on with the Carolina Panthers this past season and shined as their kicker on his way to earning a contract for 2020 ahead of a likely competition between himself and veteran Graham Gano.
Reggie Floyd may be going the road less traveled, but he has showed the potential to become the next Hokie to go from being undrafted to being a regular contributor for an NFL team.
