Peerman heads to Ravens

One is staying close to home.

Another is being reunited with a former assistant coach.

The other is living the dream.

Virginia running back Cedric Peerman and tight end John Phillips were selected Sunday during the sixth round of the NFL Draft and one-time starting quarterback Kevin McCabe quickly inked a deal as an undrafted free agent.

Peerman, who joined left tackle Eugene Monroe (Jacksonville Jaguars) and linebacker Clint Sintim (New York Giants) as former Cavaliers that were drafted during the weekend, was selected with the 185th pick overall by the Baltimore Ravens.

Shortly after that, Phillips was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with pick No. 208.

The biggest shock of the draft, however, came with what did not happen during the two-day, seven-round event.

Former Virginia wide receiver Kevin Ogletree, who elected to enter the draft with a year of eligibility remaining and work for his degree completed, was not selected.

Late Sunday evening, Ogletree joined fellow wideout Maurice Covington, safety Byron Glaspy and linebackers Antonio Appleby and Jon Copper in the pursuit of a free agent deal with an NFL team.

That was not a dilemma for McCabe.

After watching the draft with family and friends, McCabe inked a deal with the Steelers. He will battle third-string quarterback Dennis Dixon for a roster spot in mini-camp and perhaps in training camp after a standout season in his final year of eligibility at California (Penn.) University.

“Playing for your hometown team with all your people around is a great opportunity but more importantly it was a business decision,” McCabe said. “Tonight I am going to enjoy that experience but tomorrow it is all about business. You are going to try and go make a roster.

“I have the one foot in the door and my goal this year is to just be in the league still whether it is in a practice squad capacity or if it is just as a third-string quarterback or even a starting quarterback, because I am not going to sell myself short.”

It is often an uphill battle for an undrafted player to make a roster.

“I am going to take it one step at a time and obviously enjoy myself, but, more importantly, I am going to try to go out there and compete and try to earn a spot,” McCabe said.

That may not be quite as tough of a proposition for Peerman and Phillips, who can contribute on special teams.

“I’ll probably be playing lots of special teams,” Peerman said. “And help the team in any way that I can. The Ravens make the playoffs every year — they do well and they always compete for championships.”

Baltimore does boast three running backs, however, with starter Willis McGahee and Ray Rice and LeRon McClain.

Phillips will be reunited with former Virginia wide receiver coach John Garrett, who now coaches the tight ends in Dallas. The Cowboys feature All-Pro Jason Witten and second-year Martellus Bennett at tight end.