CRANBERRY TWP — All Don Barclay wanted was a shot. In the end, he got one.

The former University of West Virginia star was not taken in the NFL draft, which concluded Saturday evening. But shortly after, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive lineman agreed to a free-agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.

“It was tough to watch the last couple of rounds and not get drafted,” said Barclay, a 2007 graduate of Seneca Valley High School. “I got a call from Tampa Bay late in round six and they said they had interest in taking me in the seventh round, but it didn’t happen.

“Sometimes, being a free agent is better than being taken in the seventh round because you get to pick which situation is best for you.”

For Barclay, that meant deciding between Green Bay, Chicago, Cincinnati and Miami, all of which contacted him after the draft.

“Green Bay came on strong, they really seemed interested in me,” he said. “I talked with my agent (Joe Linta) and he felt it was a really great fit for me.”

“They’re in a period of transition with the offensive line,” Linta said of the Packers. “They just lost (Chad) Clifton, a veteran tackle. Plus, swingmen have done well with the Packers in the past.”

A swingman is an offensive lineman capable of playing multiple positions, something Barclay is confident he can do.

He started at left tackle for WVU the last three seasons.

“The Packers have interest in putting me at guard,” said Barclay. “I’d be comfortable moving there. I played my first two years in college at guard.

“With me being a swingman, it should help my chances of catching on with Green Bay.”

Barclay is enthused about joining a franchise that has won four Super Bowls and 13 NFL titles overall.

“It’s a great team with a great history,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better place to go.”

Barclay will leave for Green Bay’s rookie orientation and mini camp May 10.

“Right off the bat, they’re going to notice his smarts, his toughness and his athletic ability,” said Linta. “From there, the coaches can go back and look at the tape and say, ‘This guy’s a keeper.’

“Whether that lands him on the active roster or the practice squad, that’s for the coaches to decide.”

Barclay’s dream of a shot at playing in the NFL has come true.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I have to thank the Man up above. Hopefully, He has a plan for me.

“I’m really excited to get out there and meet the coaches. I got a chance to show what I can do and I’m going to give it all I got.”