Four undrafted Warriors get free agent deals with the NFL

HA Note: "Shortly after the conclusion of the three-day, seven-round NFL draft, pro dreams were extended to:

• Center John Estes, who will join the Jacksonville Jaguars.

• Linebacker Brashton Satele, who has signed with the Oakland Raiders.

• Offensive lineman Ray Hisatake, who signed with the Carolina Panthers.

• Linebacker Blaze Soares, in a text message to The Advertiser, said he will sign with the Chicago Bears."

About how Estes will not let his not being drafted stop him, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"At the end of the day, you have to make the roster, and John is in a great situation." (HA)

HA Note: "Estes had hoped to land on a team with an older center who could serve as a mentor. The Jaguars' starting center, Brad Meester, 33, will be entering his 11th season in 2010. Most NFL teams have eight active offensive linemen for each game, and prefer the backup linemen to be able to play multiple positions. But the Jaguars were willing to sign Estes as primarily a backup center."

About how the Jaguars were a good fit for Estes, Zuckerman said:
"This is a team with an older center that has no problem playing tougher under-sized guys in the past." (HA)

HA Note: "Estes started each of the 54 games of his UH career. He also played well in the East-West Shrine Game, where he caught the attention of the Jaguars. Estes was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, and a tweaked left hamstring cut short his workout at UH's Pro Day. But the Jaguars remained in contact, and it was believed that if Estes were not drafted, he would be a high-priority free agent."

Zuckerman said that Estes signed the standard three-year contract with a five-figure signing bonus that:
"is one of the larger signing bonuses given to an undrafted player." (HA)

Glad to know where he will be playing, Estes said:
"I knew I would play football somewhere. It worked out. Jacksonville is the best situation. I like their style." (HA)

About being denied a 6th season by the NCAA last week, Brashton Satele said:
"That was tough." (HA)

"Just the other week I found out I'm not playing for the Warriors and now I'm finding out I'm going to the Raiders.I sat out long enough, and the time I sat out showed me how much I love the game and how much I missed it and I appreciate it more now." (HSB)

HA Note: "Satele had received several inquiries before the draft, but it was decided that the Raiders, who place a high value on speedy defenders, would be the best match. Satele ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds at UH's Pro Day. One scout clocked him at 4.59 seconds."

About signing the standard 3-year deal with Oakland, joining his cousin Samson who is on that team, Brashton said:
"This is the best situation for me. I have to prove myself, but I'm ready to go." (HA)

About how Brashton knew that he would not be drafted, Zuckerman said:
"Brashton knew he wasn't getting drafted. He told me, 'find me a team that will give me a chance.' He's getting a chance." (HA)

HA Note: "Hisatake's ascent has been remarkable. He attended a California high school that did not field a football team. After playing at College of San Mateo, he joined the Warriors as a defensive lineman. He switched to the offensive line in 2008, and broke into the starting lineup, as a guard, last year."

Excited about his chance with the NFL, Hisatake said:
"I'm really excited. I'm a one-year starter, and I've only been playing on the o-line for two years." (HA)

"I'm real excited they're going to give me a chance to show what I can do. Especially with the road I took, didn't play in high school, only played O-line for two years." (HSB)

HA Note: "Agent Leo Goeas said the Panthers were impressed with Hisatake's reach (34 inches), footwork and ability to play both guard and tackle."

Goeas pointed out that Carolina did not draft any OL, so even if they sign other free-agent lineman, then Hisatake:
"will be on equal ground with them." (HA)

HA Note: "Hisatake received a $10,000 signing bonus. In all free-agent contracts, only the signing bonus is guaranteed. The first-year salary is $320,000."

HSB Note: "Hisatake said he's been training with Chad Ikei in Arizona and has dropped 42 pounds since the end of the season to prepare for his shot. Former tackle Aaron Kia is hoping to hear from an NFL team, possibly by tomorrow."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100425_3_Warriors_get_NFL_shot.html

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100425/SPORTS04/4250378/NFL+deals+for+ex-Warriors