BUTLER TWP - Tyrell Sales visited Indianapolis for the NFL Combine.

Now the Butler High School and Penn State University graduate is hoping for a much longer stay.

After being bypassed in the NFL Draft over the weekend, Sales is signing a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

"I'm flying out there Thursday for a couple of meetings and I'll sign Friday morning," Sales said.

The 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker also received free agent offers from the Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams on Sunday night, following the draft's conclusion.

The Rams drafted Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis in the second round. The Colts and Panthers did not draft any linebackers.

"I looked over everything and Indianapolis seemed like the best fit for me," Sales said. "They've got some good linebackers on the roster, obviously, and who knows what other free agents they'll bring into camp.

"But I love the organization and I know I'll get a fair look there. That's all I want."

Sales finished third on Penn State's defense with 68 tackles as a senior. He was a two-year starter with the Nittany Lions, but saw ample action all four of his years there.

This year's draft featured a bumper crop of linebackers. There were 31 linebackers selected in the draft, eight in the first two rounds.

Defensive back (54) and wide receiver (34) were the only other positions to have more players selected.

"I didn't expect to get drafted," Sales said. "All I wanted was the phone call and a chance to get out on the field and compete for a spot.

"This is a good feeling. It's my chance to fulfill a dream, go to a team in the NFL and earn the privilege to put on that uniform. I've worked hard for this."

Sales is joining a recent Super Bowl champion, the defending AFC South champion and a perennial playoff team.

"It's a great organization that knows how to win," he said.

Of the three teams to offer him deals, Sales said the Colts showed the most interest.

"They talked with me the longest and seemed to genuinely want me in training camp," he said. "I played a lot of special teams at Penn State and they feel like I can help them there.

"That's another reason I feel like I've got a legitimate shot at making the team."

Sales said he will receive a signing bonus and that other portions of the contract will be based on his making the final roster.

"The contract details will be sorted out later," he said. "I can't wait to get out there and get to work."