NFL Draft: Feliciano, Chickillo & Free Agents

Saturday’s final day of the 2015 NFL Draft saw rounds four through seven blown through, with two more Miami Hurricanes getting picked up before day’s end.

Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano was the 29th pick of the fourth round (128th overall), chosen by the Oakland Raiders, while defensive end Anthony Chickillo was the final Cane picked over the three-day span; the 36th selection in the sixth round (212th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Oakland traded down twice in the fourth round and saw some of their first and second choices regarding “best available” get picked up (the Raiders were said to be looking at Tre’ Jackson out of Florida State, who went to New England seventeen slots before Feliciano.)

However it played out, Oakland arguably got a better overall fit in Feliciano—who is a tough kid with a mean streak, who will fit in perfectly with the silver and black, while working his tail off to secure a starting spot. He’s also a quality kid who isn’t afraid of hard work and life adversity, as explained by ESPN’s Andrea Adelson last winter.

Feliciano played with a chip on his shoulder his final year at Miami—thought to be brought on by frustration with the coaching staff. Over his career, Feliciano started 46 games at right and left tackle, as well as left guard, where 39 of his starts came. He also allowed a mere four sacks over the past three seasons.

The Raiders’ offense line needs help in a big way and Feliciano should immediately compete for a starting job at right offensive guard.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper referred to him as a “classic overachiever”, which every franchise needs. Feliciano will also join former teammate, tight end Clive Walford, who Oakland snagged in the third round.

Regarding Chickillo, a sixth round compensatory pick by Pittsburgh and an interesting storyline for Hurricanes fans to watch develop over the next few years.

Chickillo has been outspoken since leaving The U in regards to Miami’s defensive system and his NFL success, or lack thereof could wind up proving if he was misused or it’s simply a case of sour grapes.

In January’s East-West Shrine Game, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock referred to the former UM defensive end as “disruptive” and “unblockable at times”—which wasn’t always the case during his time with the Canes. When asked about it, the former 5-star prospect wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

“I’ve always had it,” Chickillo said, in regards to his ability to get off the line and cause disruption in the backfield. “I’m happy I get to use it out here today.”

Chickillo elaborated after the game, opening up to NFL Network’s Alex Flanigan when asked about the 4-3 scheme he played at the all-star game, versus the 3-4 he was in at Miami.

“I’m used to playing in 3-4, more two-gap. I appreciate [East] coach [Mike] Singletary giving us a 4-3, to show a little of what I can do with my athletic ability.”

When pressed about Singletary’s scheme that day, Chick continued.

“That’s pretty much what the whole thing is. We’re running a 4-3, get off [the line] and you just play. … I’m just out here playing ball.”

How much “balling” he’ll get to do with the Steelers remains to be seen, though. While Pittsburgh is a dream NFL franchise to be a part of, unfortunately for Chickillo, they’ve been running a 3-4 defense but there’s been talk of lining up in a 4-3 base this coming season now that the team has cut ties with long time defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.

For Chick’s sake, here’s hoping he finally gets the alignment he needs to perform like he did at the East-West game in a system better suited to his skills set.

Outside of the Feliciano and Chickillo pick-ups, it was a quiet final day for Miami, but a success Draft overall for the Canes, with seven players selected; which folks were quick to shred on social media late day, reminding anyone listening that the team had more players drafted than head coach Al Golden had wins last year (going 6-7).

Miami’s NFL Draft streak of having at least one player picked up is now 41 years and counting and outside of the seven who have found home, five other Hurricanes were picked up as free agents by day’s end Saturday.

Quarterback Ryan Williams will get a chose with the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Thurston Armbrister is headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars, center Shane McDermott got the call from the Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Olsen Pierre will give it a shot with the Chicago Bears and little-used, one-year quarterback transfer Jake Heaps is headed to New York for a tryout with the Jets. (Sunday morning’s latest scoop has cornerback Ladarius Gunter getting picked up by the Green Bay Packers, as well.)

Best wishes to all our NFL-bound Hurricanes; especially those free agents gunning for an official roster spot.

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