Duke had zero players selected in the 2012 NFL draft, and a surgery to a certain Blue Devil defensive standout might have had something to do with it.
Former Duke safety Matt Daniels underwent his procedure seven weeks ago, which would be right around the end of March or early April. Considered a late-round prospect, Daniels ended up going undrafted, thanks in part to uncertainties surrounding his knee. Daniels was a staple for Duke's defense last season and finished his Blue Devil career with 198 tackles and two interceptions.
Daniels will look to earn a spot on the St. Louis Rams' final roster once the team thinks he's ready to take the field again. Among his competitors will be fellow undrafted free agent Quinton Pointer from UNLV.
Joining Matt Daniels looking for a spot on an NFL roster is tight end Cooper Helfet, who latched on with the Seattle Seahawks after the draft.
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