The 2024 NFL Draft concluded Saturday night, with the Florida State Seminoles receiving an astonishing 10 picks for the fourth time in program history. It was both a testament to how much talent the Seminoles showed last year and a reminder of the unwarranted disrespect inherited in December.
Read more: FSU football adds 5 picks on Day 2 of NFL Draft, reaching No. 300 all-time
While there was much to celebrate, several former FSU standouts ended up going undrafted and having to make their way as underdogs to secure spots at the pro level. A trio of these players have already found homes as undrafted free agents.
Shortly after the draft, safety Akeem Dent signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, joining All-Pro Derwin James and Asante Samuel Jr. in the West. Defensive tackle Fabian Lovett is being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, while linebacker Karen DeLoach is remaining in the Sunshine State to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dent has been a regular in Florida State's defensive backfield for the past five years. He originally signed with the Seminoles in 2019 as a top-100 recruit under former head coach Willie Taggart. When Mike Norvell took over the program, Dent stayed on and ended up paying the price.
The Florida native totaled 187 tackles, five lost tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, 16 pass deflections and one interception in 54 of 40 starts. He was named All-ACC honorable mention last season and won the Don Powell Award.
Dent was not invited to the combine, but crept onto the NFL's radar after his performance at Florida State's pro day. He had a 4.45 40-yard dash, 4.41 20-yard shuttle, 6.78 three-cone drill, 33.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-4-inch broad jump and 16 bench presses.
His intriguing potential and ability on special teams gives him a chance to remain with the Chargers ahead of training camp.
Read more: FSU ad Michael Alford could hint at Big Ten move during Chicago Boosters event
continue nord game day We'll have more in-depth coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.
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