Any disappointment Tyler Polumbus might have felt Sunday afternoon when the National Football League draft ended without his name being called was short-lived. The former Colorado offensive lineman began receiving phone calls almost immediately after the final pick was made.

Polumbus and his family held a modest celebration Sunday evening after the 6-foot-8 tackle agreed to a free-agent contract with the Denver Broncos, the team for which he grew up cheering. Polumbus said he spoke with Denver head coach Mike Shanahan late in the afternoon and the coach welcomed him to the organization.Also Sunday, former Fairview High School standout quarterback Taylor Tharp agreed to a free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers. Tharp started last season for Boise State.

Both Polumbus and Tharp are represented by Boulder agent Tom Mills.

"I think anybody would be lying if they said they weren't disappointed to not get drafted," Polumbus said. "But I think it all worked out. I'm getting a chance to play for my hometown team."

Two other former Buffs also didn't hear their names called in five rounds conducted Sunday, but running back Hugh Charles and tight end Tyson Devree were talking with teams about possible free agent deals Sunday night.

The New England Patriots contacted Devree and several teams had spoken with Charles. Both players could be signed early this week and have the opportunity to continue their careers.

Polumbus grew up in the Denver area and attended Cherry Creek High School. He said he was able to attend only a few Broncos games as a boy, but watching the team each week was routine in his house.

"It's the only team I've ever really rooted for so I'd say I've been a fan my whole life," Polumbus said.

Denver used two draft picks on offensive linemen over the weekend, including its first-round selection on former Boise State tackle Ryan Clady. The team hopes Clady will fill the hole at left tackle left by the retirement of Matt Lepsis, who played tight end for CU in the 1990s. Polumbus will compete with Clady, but right tackle could also be an option.

By adding Polumbus, the organization now has two tackles coached by CU coach Dan Hawkins at some point in their college careers.

Polumbus said he also spoke with Indianapolis and Kansas City on Sunday.

When Polumbus participates in Denver's mini camp next month, he will be reunited with a former teammate Mark Fenton, who is a reserve center with the team. Both Fenton and Polumbus played in Boulder under former CU coach Gary Barnett, whose version of the west coast offense employed blocking schemes similar to what the Broncos feature.

Polumbus said he believes that was another reason why the Broncos were a great fit.

"When coach Barnett was there, I think we ran every single play out of (the Broncos') playbook," Polumbus said.