The NFL Snags Four Jayhawks in the Draft

Aqib Talib / credit: www.annependleton.com

A lot of KU football fans tuned in to ESPN's NFL draft coverage this weekend and as predicted, Aqib Talib's name was called in the first round as the 20th pick overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. A nice pay day for one of our favorite Jayhawks.

Day two took a little more patience as Anthony Collins slid to the fourth round in the tackle-heavy draft. What can I say? We would have really enjoyed another year of AC, but we certainly understand the reasons for jumping. Offensive line isn't the safest position to try to make it through a full college season without an injury.

A nice surprise occurred just 20 picks later as Derek Fine was taken in the fourth round as well by the Buffalo Bills. Again, I love to our Jayhawks rewarded for all of the work they put in.

Marcus Henry was the final Jayhawk selected but again went slightly earlier than anticipated at 171 in the sixth round to the Jets. Brandon Rideau is still playing on Sunday, so I certainly feel like Henry as a similar type wideout could become a solid receiver in the NFL.

Once the draft ended, the action wasn't quite over as Brandon McAnderson signed a free agent contract with St. Louis. James McClinton is talking to some teams and should get a free agent contract as well.

So, the four-player KU draft ends up being the best since 1996. I think that says quite a bit right there. Plus, when you are over on the KUsports.com site next season, it's likely you'll see twice the number of players in the "'Hawks in the NFL" module.

Round 1
20. Aqib Talib / Tampa Bay

Round 4
112. Anthony Collins / Cincinnati
132. Derek Fine / Buffalo

Round 6
171. Marcus Henry / New York Jets

Free Agents
Brandon McAnderson / St. Louis
James McClinton / Available for destruction of interior O-lines

Update on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 06:44PM by DJ Goodwin

See new post -- James McClinton is getting a tryout with the Chiefs.