Media Credit: Daily Egyptian File Photo

Nick Hill's name was not called during the NFL Draft, but that was not enough to stop him from going pro Sunday.

Hill signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent moments after the NFL Draft concluded. Joining him in the league will be former SIU offensive tackle Darren Marquez, who inked his name with the Indianapolis Colts.

No Salukis were selected out of the 252 picks, but Saluki seniors Alan Turner, Craig Tuner, Justin Allen and John Randle were all contacted by NFL teams and could sign as free agents.

While Hill said it would have been nice to be drafted, he is happy he was able to choose where he wanted to play.

"This is a great situation for me," Hill said. "They have two quarterbacks under contract and want to field four quarterbacks this season, so I have a very good opportunity ahead of me."

Chicago is expected to follow the standard of three quarterbacks on the final roster and one quarterback on the practice squad next season. With only one other quarterback being invited with Hill, it's near certain the former Saluki will fill one of those roles.

Hill received a call from the Bears midway through the sixth round and was told they would not draft a quarterback, but wanted him to sign with them for camp. Hill said he was excited his first team of choice wanted him, but a second call nearly took away his dream scenario.

The Buffalo Bills called in the sixth round and said if they selected an offensive player in the final round it would be him. Hill said his family was nervous because it would not be the best situation, but the Bills opted for defense in the seventh round and Hill was free to choose his team, the Bears.

"When the Bears weren't picking quarterbacks I was getting excited," Hill said. "I didn't mind not getting drafted because there isn't much difference between the last picks and free agents, other than I can choose where I want to go."

Moments after getting off the phone with the Bears' quarterback coach, Hill received a three-year contract via fax he was ready to sign. Current Bears quarterbacks Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton have one year remaining on their contracts.

Hill will head to the Bears' mini camp Thursday to get his gear and get situated before the first practice Friday.

The former All-American honorable mention said he feels he has a bright future with the Bears since they were the first and most aggressive to court him and the comparisons they have made to Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo.

"It's promising when the coaches tell you that you remind them of Tony Romo," Hill said. "They said they think I can be that type of player that works up to that level."

Marquez did not have to sweat it out as long as Hill since the Colts contacted him early in the draft and told him they wanted him in camp.

Marquez said Colts head coach Tony Dungy contacted him and told him the speedy lineman fit the type of mold they like to fill.

"It's a great feeling when you get a call from the head coach telling you he wants you with the team," Marquez said. "I know I can prove I belong at that level and I know this is the best opportunity for me."

Marquez also signed a three-year contract and will report to his mini camp Thursday.

But Randle, a former SIU starting running back, is in the difficult position of having to wait for a call. Randle said he has been contacted by a few teams, but there was nothing immediate after the draft.

Randle expects to have an opportunity at the Kansas City Chief's camp, which he said would be great since it is the team he grew up watching.

"It's a tough position. I just have to wait and pray," Randle said. "Kansas City has talked to me about going to the camp, but I just want an opportunity anywhere to prove I can play at the next level."

The first player selected from a Football Championship Subdivision school in the draft was Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco was selected higher than expected when Baltimore drafted him at No. 18 overall.

There were some positive signs for former Salukis during the draft.

Former SIU tight end Braden Jones improved his chances to make the final roster for the Minnesota Vikings after they opted not to draft a tight end. Jones signed with the Vikings last season and served on their practice squad because of an injury, but if he can stay healthy he is expected to push for a spot on the NFL squad.

Jeff Engelhardt can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 269 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it