NFL Draft Diary Rising up draft boards Vernon Butl : 0xbt

NFL Draft Diary Rising up draft boards Vernon Butl

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Terry Bradshaw with the first pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, the quarterback became the first Louisiana Tech player selected in the first round.Since then, three former Bulldogs receiver Roger Carr (1974), offensive lineman Willie Brent Suter Jersey Roaf (1993) and wideout Troy Edwards (1999) have gone in the first round. But never has a Louisiana Tech defensive player been taken in the first round.MORE: | Vernon Butler hopes to change that.Oh man, that would mean a lot, the defensive tackle told Omnisport. You usually have to go to a big school to get noticed, but you put the hard work in all four years to get drafted, and thats what I did.Butler could surpa s former Chargers and 49ers defensive end Fred Dean, the 33rd overall pick in the 1975 draft, as the highest Bulldogs defender taken.He was a great player, and to be taken higher than him, well, that hasnt happened yet, said Butler, who was a first-team All-Conference USA Yovani Gallardo Jersey selection last year after recording 50 tackles, 10 for lo s, with three sacks and eight quarterback hurries.Butler is a gifted athlete for his size (6-4, 323) with great lateral quickne s. Thats a big reason he shot up draft boards following a dominant week at the Senior Bowl.It doesnt matter whats on your helmet or your jersey, just how well you play football, said Butler, who was unblockable at times in Mobile. I just had to show scouts what I could do."He finished his career with just five sacks in 49 games, but was credited with 106 tackles and 23.5tackles for lo s in 27 starts over the last two seasons.DRAFT DIARY: In the first of a series of conversations with Butler leading up to Domingo Santana Jersey the draft, he spoke with Omnisport about his NFL potential.On the draft proce s: Its been crazy, but Ive just been trying to enjoy the whole experience. Ive always wanted to go to the Senior Bowl, the combine, and walk on stage at the draft. Its all falling into place.This is most definitely the most traveling Ive done. They pull you this way and that way, especially between the combine and Mobile. You dont get any sleep at all.On getting the NFL Draft invitation: I was so happy. I had to call my mom and dad. I asked them, You want to go to Chicago?Ill be there with my two sisters and my mom and dad. Im the baby. My sisters really babied me (when I was a kid).(The draft) will probably be emotional. Im just going to enjoy it and have a good time. Ill Lorenzo Cain Jersey have those memories for life.On combine interviews: They kept it pretty profe sional. I didnt get any of the (strange questions) Christian Yelich Jersey like some of the other guys. They asked me football questions and about my background, but thats all clean.On criticism that he can be overly aggre sive: I dont think its nece sarily too aggre sive. I just like to get to the ball carrier. I would say, maybe Im a bit too anxious at times, so I might pop it too fast. Im a high-motor guy. I want to get to the ball.Butler is a Mi si sippi native who is training in Louisiana. He has worked out for the Patriots, Bengals, Raiders, Panthers, Titans and Lions. He also has visits scheduled with at least 12 teams.