NFL DRAFT ’87 : Awalt Gets Call From Cardinals : Tight End From SDSU Finally Catches On in the Third Round

Through the first two rounds of Tuesday’s NFL draft, Robert Awalt sat intently in front of the television, waiting for his name to be called.

Awalt, a San Diego State tight end, thought he would be drafted in the second round by St. Louis, Kansas City, San Francisco, Seattle or Houston.

It didn’t happen.

Finally, in the third round, Awalt was picked by St. Louis. He was the 62nd player selected and the second tight end after Rod Bernstine of Texas A&M;, the Chargers’ first-round pick.

“You’re always happy if you go a little faster,” Awalt said. “But I’m not disappointed at all.”

Awalt (6-feet 5-inches, 240 pounds) was the only Aztec selected Tuesday. Coach Al Saunders said the Chargers may sign Aztec running back Corey Gilmore and safety Steve Lauter as free agents.

Although Awalt--a Football Writers Assn. second-team All-American and Associated Press third-team All-American in 1986--was selected a little later than he had hoped, he wasn’t disappointed about going to St. Louis.

Doug Marsh, the Cardinals’ starting tight end, caught 25 passes last season. St. Louis Coach Gene Stallings has said he was unhappy with his tight ends.

Shortly after Awalt was drafted, he was contacted by Larry Wilson, the Cardinals’ director of pro personnel.

“He talked a lot about how they haven’t gotten the output they wanted out of their tight ends the past few years,” Awalt said. “I’m happy to be going where I could make an impact and compete for a position. This is one of the ideal places I could go.”

Said George Boone, the Cardinals’ director of player personnel: “He has real fine hands and should help us in the receiving area. I think he has the capability to get downfield and catch the football, which we need a little more of.”

Awalt caught 45 passes for 541 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. He had 31 receptions in the first six games and 14 in the last five. After midseason, he was slowed by sternum and ankle injuries.

In the Holiday Bowl against Iowa, Awalt had two receptions for 28 yards before he left in the third quarter with a separated shoulder. The injury caused him to miss the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl.

Awalt said his first physical contact of 1987 will be at the Cardinals’ mini-camp, which begins May 20.

“The shoulder feels real good,” he said. “It hasn’t given me any problems as far as lifting is concerned. As far as contact, I assume it will hold up. I don’t expect any problems. That’s the least of my worries.”

His primary concern is making the regular-season roster.

“You’re always going to have a problem making the team,” Awalt said. “But I’m very confident I’ll make the team and be able to contribute.”