4th Round OT Free and Cowboys Come to Terms

The Cowboys have come to terms with fourth-round offensive tackle Doug Free to an undisclosed contract. The 6-foot-7, 315 pound lineman may be called upon early with some question marks still on the Cowboys offensive line. Below is the bio on Free’s senior season:

All-America Candidate
Outland Trophy Watch List
2006 Team Captain

Career: Two-time All-Mid-Am pick (2004-05). Heads into senior campaign with an active string of 36 consecutive starts (34 at LT and two at TE) and 156 knockdown blocks in 2,287 career snaps (2003-05). Serious 2007 National Football League draft material. All-America candidate with unique combination of athleticism, quick feet, and work ethic. Nicknamed by Northern Illinois teammates as “Doug Freak” for athleticism (:05.0 speed, 29-inch vertical jump, and 565-pound squat lift. Compared to former Huskie Third-Team All-America OT and Indianapolis Colts (fourth-round pick in 2001 NFL draft) starter Ryan Diem. Rated by ESPN.com analyst Bill Curry as one of three best non-skill position players in the country, along with Boston College DE Mathias Kiwanuka and Minnesota C Greg Eslinger. “Even at 6-7, 302, he (Free) can get out and lead RB Garrett Wolfe downfield on screens. Coach Joe Novak says Free could play TE in the NFL.” Anchored rock-solid Northern Illinois O-line that blocked for nation’s No. 16 major-college rushing attack (206.7 yards-per-game average) and total offense (441.1 ypg.) last season and paved the way for 1,000-yard rushers such as All-America tailbacks Michael “The Burner” Turner and Garrett Wolfe.