May 2, 2008

More Coverage: Lafayette News Stand

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Senior offensive lineman Jesse Padilla (Hawthorne, N.J./Hawthorne) reported to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs' mini camp on Thursday. The All-American will be trying out for the team in attempt to be signed as a free agent.

Padilla started 25 games in his career, making the switch from right to left tackle his senior season. He anchored an offensive line that helped roll out 364.5 yards of offense and 25.5 points per game. The History major is a two-time All-Patriot League selection and was named All-America by the America Football Coaches Association, the Associated Press and the National Football Foundation.

"It's a tremendous opportunity for him. We're happy to have had several players in the last couple of years have these opportunities," said Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani. "There are more and more student-athletes each who are getting opportunities and it really speaks to the caliber of players, not just here at Lafayette but around the whole league."

Linebacker Blake Costanzo '06 is the only Leopard currently with an NFL team. After starting the 2007 season with the New York Jets, Costanzo signed with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad. He was activated for the final three games where he played on special teams.

Kansas City drafted 12 rookies in the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26-27. In addition they have signed 17 undrafted free agent rookies under head coach Herm Edwards.