Terence Moore didn’t figure he’d get drafted by an NFL team, but he had a good idea of where he would end up.
The second day of the NFL Draft passed without any more Troy Trojans being drafted since Sherrod Martin was picked by the Carolina Panthers, but Moore, a linebacker/safety, found himself a home, agreeing to a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He will report to a minicamp Thursday.
“I was talking to them even during the draft,” Moore said.
Moore will likely play linebacker for the Bucs and hopes to use his special teams talents to make the roster. Last year, Tampa Bay signed cornerback Elbert Mack from Troy and he made the roster.
The Bucs also signed defensive tackle Chris Bradwell after the 2008 NFL Draft. He was cut before the year, but recently re-signed.
“(Tampa Bay coaches) were telling me that they wanted me,“ Moore said. “I was looking at the depth chart and they got rid of a lot of key players. I see it as the perfect opportunity to go in and prove myself.
“There’s definitely some motivation (in seeing Mack make it in the same scenario). I know the coaches really take a look at the people they bring into camp.“
Moore led Troy with six interceptions last year and was fifth with 76 tackles. Detroit and Minnesota also showed interest.
Also late Sunday, defensive tackle Dion Gales agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs. Gales recorded 63 tackles last year, including 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Defensive end Kenny Mainor, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the team’s third game, was invited by the New York Giants for a tryout on May 7. The team wants to see how his knee holds up, but Mainor participated in all Pro Day drills for scouts.
More Trojans could agree to deals Monday. Troy strength and conditioning coach Richard Shaughnessy said offensive lineman Dion Small and his agents were in talks with the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans.
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