A second former Virginia Tech DL is headed to the NFL on an undrafted free agent deal

Like former Virginia Tech football teammate Pheldarius Payne, Norell Pollard was hoping to hear his name called in the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday. Like Payne, his name was never called leaving the Hokies no players picked in their year’s draft.

As soon as the draft officially ended Saturday night, free agency opened for the players that went undrafted and Payne reportedly is signing with the AFC South champion Houston Texans. Pollard reportedly is going to the NFC East and not too far from the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg.

Justin Melo of The Draft Network reported Saturday night that Pollard was signing as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders, joining first-year coach Dan Quinn’s roster.

Leading up to the draft after Virginia Tech’s Pro Day last month, Pollard met virtually and in person with other teams. One of the teams he met with was the Commanders. He also met with the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars among some of the other teams.

Pollard sees himself as someone who is going to make an impact in the NFL and is full of confidence when he talked with The Draft Network.

“I’m going to make the best impact I can make. I’m going to be a great pass rusher at the next level. I can do that at a high level. I’m planning on being a great player. I’m somebody you want to have on your team.”

– Norell Pollard

It’s good to see Pollard get rewarded for all the hard work he has put in and hopefully, he gets to stick with the Commanders going into training camp over the summer.