South Florida Sun Sentinel from Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Page 26

6C Sun-Sentinel, Monday, April 25. 1988 CharitaM cortieiaes Gators9 ffett-roiiMd streak ter's size or his average 40-yard dash speed (4.98 seconds). "Carter's strength is his blocking," Rogers said, "plus he has great hands. No one is saying he's a blazer. As long as he's running straight forward, I don't care.

Carter is coming in to beat out some other football players. Let's hope he can." Three other state college players were chosen in the first five rounds. Cornerback Terry Williams from Bethune-Cookman was a second-round choice of the New York Jets and the 48th pick overall; Central Florida wide receiver Bernard Ford was taken in the third round by the Buffalo Bills, the 66th pick; "Right now, the Jets need defensive backs," Williams said. "They're hurting and I think I can step in and start." ed and their time elapsed." Unlike most everyone else waiting to be drafted Sunday, FSU's Carter said he knew what was going to happen to him. He visited Detroit two weeks ago and Lions coach Darryl Rogers hinted Carter would be a second-round choice, i "That took a little suspense out of the day, but that's all right with me," said Carter, a 6-4 Vi, 254-pounder, and the second tight end taken in the draft after Oklahoma's Keith Jackson.

Carter will get a chance to win the starting job, but could be moved to tackle if he doesn't, Rogers said. "I got some assurance from Rogers that I'd get a chance at tight end," Carter said. "But if they wish to move me inside later on, I wilL" Rogers isn't worried about Car tackles as a junior, 70 last year. He recorded 11 sacks in 1986, just seven in 1987. "Not that many plays came my way," said Charlton, a native of Tallahassee.

"Other guys were making the tackles because teams were running away from me." The Miami Dolphins were rumored to be interested in Charlton, but used their 16th pick to take Ohio State defensive end Eric Ku-merow. Then the Houston Oilers, another team interested in Charlton, passed on their pick, opening the door for Cleveland to take Charlton. Houston then took Michigan State running back Lorenzo White of Fcrt Lauderdale. "Our information is that they had Lorenzo White and Charlton on two pieces of paper," said Browns owner Art Modell, "and were undecid "They needed a pass rushing-type football player and that's what I do best," said Charlton, a first-team All-America selection by The Sporting News in 1987. He was also a two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection.

Charlton will get a chance to start at left outside linebacker, said coach Marty Schottenheimer, pushing Junkin to the inside, where he played in college. Because of his size (6 feet 2, 233 pounds), Charlton may also play some in the line, helping Cleveland's anemic pass rush. "We're going to use him in both roles," Schottenheimer said, "from the two-point and the three-point stance." Charlton's 25 sacks was just two short of tying Alonzo Johnson's school record 27. Charlton had 121 Gators cornerback Jarvis Williams was taken in the second round by the Miami Dolphins. Tight end Pat Carter of Florida State was the S2nd pick, a second-rounder for the Detroit Lions.

Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell, FSU quarterback Danny McManus and Semi-noles linebacker Paul McGowan, the 1987 Butkus Award winner, were passed over Sunday. This is the sixth straight year Florida has had a first-round pick. In the last six years, eight Gators have become Round One picks. Cleveland chose a linebacker, Mike Junkin of Duke, in last year's first round. Junkin broke a wrist, though, and missed the second half of the season.

Add to that Clay Matthews' advancing age (32) and the Browns needed a speedy young linebacker. By JEFF BROWNE Staff Writer 1 He was the 21st player and the third linebacker picked in Sunday's NFL draft. But Florida linebacker Clifford Charlton is certain he will prove to be better than the top 20, even No. I pick Aundray Bruce of Auburn. "Everybody wants to go a little higher, but I'm happy," said Charlton, the Cleveland Browns' first-round pick.

"I haven't gotten the publicity as some of those other guys. Now I have the chance to go out into the field and prove I'm as good as they are." Charlton was the first of two Gators chosen in the first five rounds during Sunday's initial phase of the 12-round draft It will conclude today. RQUND-BY-ROUND Bound 1 1, Atlanta, Aundray Bruca, lb. Auburn. 2, Kansaa City, from Detroit, Nell Smith, de, Nebraska.

3, Detroit, from Kansaa City, Bennl Blades, db, Miami, Fla. 4, Tampa Bay, Paul Oruber, ot. Wisconsin. 6. Cincinnati, Rickey Dixon, db, Oklahoma.

6, Los Angeles Raiders, Tim Brown, wr, Notre Dame. 7, Green Bay, Sterling Sharpe, wr, South Carolina. 8, New York Jets, Dave Cadlgan, ot, Southern California. Los Angeiea Raiders, from Los Angeles Rama, through Houston, Terry McDanM, db. "dolphins ERIC KUMEROW lilli Tennessee.

10. New York Giants, Eric Moore, ot. Indiana. 11, Dallas, Michael trvtn, wr, Miami, Fla. 12, Phoenix.

Ken Harvey, lb, California. 13, Phlla-I delphla, Keith Jackson, te, Oklahoma. 14, Los An-J geles Rams, from Buffalo, Gaston Green, rb, UCLA. 15, San Diego, Anthony Miller, wr, Tennessee, 16, Miami, Eric Kumerow, de, Ohio State. 17, New England, John Stephens, rb, Northwestern Loulsl-I ana.

18, Pittsburgh, Aaron Jones, de, Eastern Ken-t lucky. 18, Minnesota, Randall McDanM, og, Arizo-l na State. x-Seattle, used first-round pick hi last 1 year's supplemental draft tor Oklahoma linebacker L. Brian Boeworth. 20, Los Angeiea Rama, from Indianapolis, Aaron Cox, wr, Arizona State.

y-21, Cleveland, Clifford Charlton, lb, Florida, y-22, Houston, Lorenzo White, rb, Michigan State. 23, Chicago, Brad Muster, rb, Stanford. 24, New Orleans, Craig Heyward, rb, Pitt. 25, Los Angeiea Raiders, from San Francisco, Scott Davis, da, llll-J noia. 26, Denver, Ted Gregory, nt.

Syracuse. 27, Chicago, from Washington, Wendell Davis, wr. POS: DE-LB. SCHOOL: Ohio State HT.WT-' 6-7, 260. PERSONAL: Born 4-17-65.

bench presses 390 pounds and dead lifts 605 pounds. speed in 40-yard dash has been listed from 4.75 to 4.9. had 23 career sacks. First team all-Big Ten as a junior and senior. Honorable mention All-America in 1987.

chosen Big Ten defensive lineman of the year in 1986. led Buckeyes in tackles for losses (15 for minus 75 yards) and sacks (eight for minus 49) as a senior. Also led team in same categories as a junior, recording nine tackles for losses and six sacks. Stretched Achilles' tendon limited his play as a freshman. Two years ago in Cotton Bowl against Texas had five tackles, three quarterback hurries and dropped off line to intercept a Kevin Murray pass.

was 6-6, 218 pounds as a freshman. Former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce on Kumerow following his junior season: "He was, I guess you could say, a little gawky a couple of years ago. He wasn't uncoordinated, but he wasn't the smooth athlete he has become. I think he is still a diamond in the rough. His best football is yet to is from Lake Forest, III.

was a high school All-America at Oak Park High School. C.w I jr JARVIS WILLIAMS of I A my 17 The Dolphins say Kumerow olphins' SCHOOL: Florida. HTH WTJ5-11, 195. PERSONAL: Timed at 4.58 seconds in the 40-yard dash was moved to strong safety as a senior after playing cornerback for three years explosive tackier who hits like a linebacker. 4-year starter vas a first-team 1987 All-America by Col-, lege Pro Football Weekly.

led Gators with 77 tackles did; not have an interception as a 1 1 3 3 senior and had 10 In career one of top punt re- turners in nation, averaging 1 1. 1 yards on 20 and could push Scott Schwedes as the Dolphins' re- was a three-time all-Southeastern Con- physical education major Blackwood coming off major knee, is expected to compete for a start-' season. should start on the line this season. first selection FERRELL EDMUNDS AP photo Iff turn man ference selection with safety Glenn surgery. Williams ing job this even surprises Kumerow FROM PAGE 1C Most thought Kumerow would go much later NFL scouting service.

Neil Smith of Nebraska was rated the best and was taken with the second pick by Kansas City. "We feel Kumerow has got the bulk and size to line up as a defensive lineman and we feel he has pass-rush ability," Dolphins coach Don Shula said. "He also has the ability to drop off on pass coverage. He's a combination type guy. His size and that ability are what really sold us." A three-year starter in college, Kumerow was a two-time all-Big Ten selection at Ohio State and was named the conference's defensive lineman of the year as a junior.

He had 23 career sacks and 39 career tackles for losses. The Dolphins had a number of options with their first pick. Still available when they drafted were defensive ends Scott Davis of Illinois, Dan Stubbs of Miami, and Aaron Jones of Eastern Kentucky, fullbacks Craig Heyward of Pitt and Brad Muster of Stanford, linebacker Clifford Charlton of Florida, and offensive lineman John Elliott of Michigan. The pick came down to a decision of helping either the offense or defense. Shula decided the league's 26th-rated defense needed immediate attention.

"We knew there were some highly rated offensive players on the board, and we gave them some consideration," Shula said. "But we felt coming into the draft if there was a player there that could come in and help us be a better defensive football team, that was our top priority." The Dolphins stuck with defense in the second round, selecting three-time All-Southeastern Conference defensive back Jarvis Williams of Florida. In the third round they selected tight end FerreU Edmunds of Maryland. Both Williams and Edmunds are highly rated and expected to contend for starting jobs. Williams would be a disappointment if he didn't become an instant starter at safety, where the Dolphins plan to play him.

"We've had problems in the secondary and feel this guy can come in and help us immediately," secondary coach Mel Phillips said. The Dolphins selected 315-pound offensive tackle Greg Johnson of Oklahoma in the fourth round and cornerback Rodney Thomas of Brigham Young in the fifth round. The remaining seven rounds of the "draft will be completed today beginning at 10 a.m. Shula said he was pleased with the Dolphins' Sunday selections. "We feel this draft has a chance to strengthen us in the positions where we need help," Shula said.

The key to any draft, of course, is usually the first-round pick, and the Dolphins' top pick, Kumerow, will begin his pro career as a man without a definitive position. Shula projected him as both a down lineman and a linebacker who could end up starting in place either Mark Brown at right outside linebacker or T.J. Turner at one defensive end position. Linebacker coach Chuck Studley worked Kumerow out at Ohio State and has no doubts as to where hell play. "We're classifying him as a defensive end," Studley said.

"He's a real good pass rusher and I think he's going to be a great one. I think all his football is ahead of him. We're talking about a guy whose only played defense for about three years." The Dolphins had the NFL's second-fewest number of sacks last season (21) and Kumerow is expected to improve that figure. He was tied for third in the Big Ten in sacks last year with eight, but felt he rould have had more. "My biggest problem here Is I can make the play, but I cant always finish it," Kumerow said.

"I can beat the tackle and zero in on the quarterback, but he always seems to slip away. I missed about eight or nine sacks last year." SCHOOL: Maryland. HT WTj 6-6, 241. PERSONAL: timed at 4.63 seconds in the 40-varri rtah I I rated the third best tight end in Jackson and Florida State's Pat Carter. Dolphins considered draftina him in the second round and were pleasantly surprised to coa him In 4-Ha 4ah s.An starter.

finished college career as School's RArnnrl-loaHinn all. 'J i i LSU. Bound 1 28, Atlanta, Marcus Cotton, lb, Southern Calltor-nla 29, Detroit, from Kansas City, Chris Spielman, lb Ohio State. 30, Philadelphia, from Tampa Bay, Eric Allen, db, Arizona State. 31, Cincinnati, Elbert 'lckey" Woods, rb, Nevada-Las Vegas.

32. Detroit, Pat Carter, te, Florida State. 33, San Francisco, from Loa Angeiea Raiders, Daniel Stubba, de, Miami. Fla. 34, Green Bay, Shawn Patterson, dt, Arizona State.

35, Los Angeiea Rama, Anthony Newman, db, Oregon. 36. New York Giants, John Elliott, ot, Michigan. 37, New York Jets. Terry Williams, db, Bethune-Cookman.

36, Phoenix, Tony Jeffery, rb. Texas Christian. 39, San Francisco, from Philadelphia, through Tampa Bay, Pierce Holt, de, Angokj State. 40. Buffalo, Thurman Thomas, rb, Oklahoma State.

41, Dallas, Kan Norton, lb, UCLA. 42, Miami, Jarvis Williams, db, Florida. 43, New England, Vincent Brown, lb, Mississippi Valley State. 44, Pittsburgh, Dermonttl Dawson, og, Denver, from Minnesota, Gerald Perry, ot. Southern University.

48, Loa Angeiea Rama, Willie Anderson, wr, UCLA. 47, Loa Angeiea Rams, from Indianapolis, Fred Strickland, lb. Purdue. 48. Houston, Oulntln Jones, db, Pitt.

49, Seattle, Brian Blades, wr, Miami. Fla. 60, Cleveland, Michael Dean Perry, dt, Clemson. 61, Chicago, Dante Jones, lb, Oklahoma. 62, New Or- leans, Brett Perrlman, wr, Miami, Fla.

63, Tampa Bay, from San Francisco, Lara Tate, rb, Georgia. 64, Minnesota, from Denver, Brad Edwarda, db, South Carolina. 65. Washington, Chip Lohmlller, pk, Minnesota. Bound 66.

Atlanta, Alex Hlgdon, te, Ohio State. -Tampa Bay used third-round pick In last year supplemental draft for Miami, Fla. defenaive lineman Dan Sileo. 67, Cincinnati, Kevin Walker, lb, Maryland. 68.

Detroit, Ray Roundtree, wr, Peon State. 69, Kansas City. Kevin Porter, db, Auburn. 60, San Diego, from Loa Angeiea Raiders, through Houston, Oulnn Early, wr, Iowa. 61, Green Bay, Keith Wood-aide, rb, Texas 62.

New York Giants. Sheldon White, db, Miami Of Ohio. 63. New York Jets, Erik McMillan, db. Missouri.

64, Washington, from Loa Angeiea Rama, Mike Oliphant, rb, Puget Sound. 66, PMIadeiphia, Matt Patchan, ot, Miami, Fla. 66, Buffalo, Barnard Ford, wr, Central Florida. 67, Dallas. Mark Hutson, og, Oklahoma.

68, Phoenix, Tom Tupa, qb, Ohio State. 69, New England, Tom Render, ot, Notre Dame. 70, Pittsburgh, Chuck Lanza, Notre Dame. 71, Minnesota, Al Noga, dt, Hawaii. 72, Houston, from San Diego, Greg Montgomery, Michigan State.

73, Miami, FerreU Edmunds, te, Maryland. 74, New York Jets, from Houston, through Los Angeiea Raiders, James Hasty, db, Washington State. 76. Seattle, Tommy Kane, wr, Syracuse. 76, Indianapolis.

Chris Chandler, qb, Washington. 77, Cleveland, Van Waiters, lb, Indiana. 78, Chicago, Ralph Jarvis, de. Temple. 79, Denver, from New Orleans, Kevin Guidry, db, LSU 80, San Francisco, Bin Romanowskl, lb, Boston College.

81, New Orleans, from Denver, Tony Stephens, nt, Qemeon. 82, Loa Angeiea Raima, from Washington, Mike Pkd, dt, NUnoia. Bound 4 83, Tampa Bay, from Atlanta, through Philadelphia. Robert Goff dt. Auburn.

84, Cincinnati, David Grant, nt. West Virginia. 86, Detroit, William White, db. Ohio State. 86, Tampa Bay, from Kansas City, John Bruhm, og, Tennessee.

67, New England, from Tampa Bay, Tim Goad. nt. North Carolina 88, Green Bay, from Loa Angeiea Raiders, RoUin Put. iter, dt, Oregon. 89, Green Bay, Chuck Cec.

db, Arizona. 90, Loa Angeles Raider, from New York Jets, Tim Rother, dt, Nebraska. 81, San Diego, from Loa Angeles Rama, Joe Campbell, de, New Mexico State. 92, New York Giants, Ricky Shaw, lb. Oklahoma State.

93, San Diego, from Buffalo, Stacy Seareie. ot, Auburn. 94, Dallas. David Widen, ot, Boston College 95. Phoenix, Michael Brim, db, Virginia Union.

x-PhHadelphia used fourth-round pick In leaf year's supplemental draft tar Ohto State wide receiver Cna Carter. 96, Kansaa City, from Pittsburgh, R. Ambrose, wr, Mississippi. 97, New England, from Minnesota, Sammy Martin, wr, LSU. 98.

San Diego, David Richards, ot, UCLA. 99. Miami, Greg Johneon. ot, Oklahoma. 100, New England, Teddy Game, pk.

Northeast Louisiana. 101. Seattle. Kevin Harmon, ft). Iowa.

K2. IndtanapoRS, Michael Bal, db. Southern Unrveralty. 103. San Francisco, from Houston, through Lot Angeiea Raiders.

Barry Melton, p. Colorado. 104, Cleveland, Anthony Blaylock, db. Wmeton-Seiem State. 105.

Chicago, Jim Thornton, te. FuHerton State. 106, New leans. LvdeS Can-, rb, Oklahoma. 107.

Tampa Bay, from San Francteco, Monte Rob tuna, p. Michigan. 108. Minnesota, from Denver, Todd Kalis, og. Arizona Stat.

109, Washington, Jamie Morris, rb, Michigan. Bound I 1 10. Atlanta, Charles Dmtry. db. Vega.

Ml. Detroit. Eric Andotsek, og LSU. 1 12, New Orteana. from Kaneas City.

Greg Scales, te. Wake Forest. 1 13. Tampa Bay, WKHam Howard, rb. Tennessee.

114, Cincinnati, Herb Wester, ot. low. 1 15, New England, from Loa Angeles Raiders. Troy Wolkow, og. MMnoaot.

116, Green Bay, Darns! Reed, lb, Oklahoma 1 17, Loa Angeiea Rama, Robert Detptno, rb. Ml. ouri 118. New York Giants. Jon Carter, de.

Pitt 1 19. New York Jets. Mate Wrthyoombe, ot. Fnssne Stale. 120.

Phoenix, from Dattaa. through Seattle, Chne Game, lb. VanderMt 121. Pittsburgh, from Phoenix. Dertn Jordan, lb.

Northeastern. 122. Phe-eowpma. Erie Everett, db. Texas Tech.

123. Bufta-rs, Zeke Gedeon. lb. Pin. 124.

Minnesota. Darre FuMngton. db. Miami, PI. 125, Houston, from San Dnoo.

Cns Damnan, db. Purdue. 128. Mien, Rodney Thome, db. Bngham Young.

127. Waatangton. from Maw England. Carl Mm, db. Sam Houeton Stale.

128, Pittsburgh. Jerry Reeee. nt, Kentucky. 129. tnduxv apoM.

John Baylor, rb. Soutnern leiasypt, 130, Houston. Chne Vertwka), te. Crece Stat. 131.

Loa Angsiss Barter, from Seem through Sen Francteco end New York Jets, Den prtoa, db, UCLA. 132. Phoantx, from lev end, Tony Jordan, rt. Kansas Stat. 133 Chicago.

Troy Johnson, lb. Oklahoma. 134. New Orleans, Keith tevtor, db. mmtm.

135. Buffalo, from San FranOeoo. Kirk Roach, pk. Western Carotin. 138, Denver.

Com Ervin. db. Central Florida. 137, Loa Angeles Bam, from Waerangton. Jama Waatvnglon, db, UCLA.

y-Oevaiend was eupooeed te pick star Houeton but selected aheed of the Oxers, who temporarily passed after uatng up their aeoned 15 mmute. time receiver with 101 catches for 1,641 yards. was first team all-Atlantic Coast Conference last year after making 35 receptions for 603 yards and two touchdowns. "One of our concerns coming in was getting a tight end who can run down the middle of the field and take the pressure of Mark Clayton and Mark Duper." Shula said. "Edmunds can run deep and that's one of the things that's appealing." ly, Eric Kumerow doesn't get the accolades and attention that Spielman does.

It's awfully hard to have two All-American linebackers on one team. But I think when it comes draft time next April people will realize how good Eric Kumerow is." Kumerow's biggest drawback may be his weight. He was 218 pounds as a freshman and 255 last season. The Dolphins said he's up to 265 pounds, and at 6 feet 6, he has the frame to add some weight "I think historically, the taller types have been late bloomers," Brandt said. Kumerow pulled a hamstring just before January's Senior Bowl and was unable to play in the game or run at the NFL's February combine workouts in Indianapolis.

Miami linebacker coach Chuck Studley later visted Kumerow in Columbus, Ohio, and tested him, as did several teams. Kumerow was timed at 4.84 in the 40-yard dash. It was an average time. "He was still feeling the hamstring pulL which was quite severe," Studley said. Studley compared Kumerow's personality and work ethic to that of Miami Pro Bowl linebacker John OfferdahL The Dolphins want Kumerow to play mostly defensive end; they believe he can start this year.

Who he'll replace is the question. The Dolphins' starting defensive line has T.J. Turner at left end, Brian Sochia at nose tackle and John Bosa at right end. By BOB HILL Staff Writer MIAMI Few people expected Eric Kumerow to be a first-round draft choice Sunday, least of all Eric Kumerow. "I almost went through the ceiling when the Dolphins called my name," Kumerow said from his parents' home in Chicago.

Kumerow's father. Palmer Pyle, is a former NFL offensive lineman. Kumerow, a standup defensive end from Ohio State, was an All-America quarterback at Lake Forest High in Oak Park, 111. He was one of four heralded quarterbacks to enroll at Ohio State in 1983, which prompted the change to defense. Among the four were future pros Mike Tomczak of the Chicago Bears and Jim Karsatos of the Dolphins.

"I had always played quarterback in high school, but I'd never had as much fun as I wanted to," Kumerow said. "I really started having fun when I began to play defense." Kumerow was an outside linebacker his first two years. He became a starter midway through his freshman year and spent his entire career playing in the shadow of Chris Spielman, the Buckeyes' two-time All-America linebacker. Kumerow, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, was expected to be drafted between the second and fifth rounds. Gil Brandt of the Dallas Cowboys had this to say about Kumerow last spring: "Obvious GREG JOHNSON POSj OT 1 SCHOOL: Oklahoma.

i WTj 6-4, 315. I PERSONAL- Timed at 5.05 seconds in the 40-yard dash 1 exceptional run blocker I helped anchor what was considered the best offensive line in football last year, as Sooners av-. eraged 499.7 yards rushing cleared out three Kansas State defenders as fullback Lydell Carr scored on a 2-vard run in a rq- 1 A i' jr: 1 4 liinU, Williams' dream materializes provided key blocker for Spencer Tillman's 77-yard touchdown run In 42-8 Orange Bowl win over Arkansas two years ago had a neck problem early In career "He can really come off the ball and he can run," Dolphins' Chuck Connor said. RODNEY THOMAS for the Gators, Williams kept up with his favorite NFL team. He has seen safeties Glenn Blackwood and Bud Brown struggle.

And Williams knows the Dolphins would like to see him win a starting job. Williams, 5-feet-ll and 198 pounds, is a hard hitter, Shula said, but lacks the speed of most great defensive backs. Miami timed him at 4.58 in the 40-yard dash, slow for a cornerback, average for a safety. "He's a very physical player," said Miami secondary coach Mel Phillips. He will hit you.

He will knock you down. He has a mean streak." With Williams, both Blackwood and Brown may be out of starting jobs next fall. Blackwood is recovering from a knee injury and third-year safety Lif fort Hobley impressed Dolphins coaches last year after the players' strike and may win one starting spot "We expect to have Blackwood back," Phillips said, "but how well he is is still a question." By JEFF BROWNE Staff Wrttar Jarvis Williams remembers his childhood in Palatka, when he cheered for the Miami Dolphins and their great defense led by defensive backs Dick Anderson, Jake Scott and Tim Foley. But the Dolphins defense has fallen on hard times recently and Miami's defensive backs have taken much of the heat So the Dolphins called on Williams Sunday in the second round of the NFL draft to help shore up a troubled secondary. And the former University of Florida safety is ready.

"I'm sure everybody says this, but for me, being from Florida, playing for the Dolphins and Coach Don Shula really is a dream come true," said Williams, the 42nd player chosen. "I would have been happy anywhere, but by me staying here, I feel like I'm helping continue the great Miami Dolphin tradition." Even as he grew up and started four years poscb SCHOOL: Brigham Young. HT, WT--5-10. 197. PESONAL: Was timed 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

was a three-year starter. aggressive tackier who loves to play the bump and run. has good quickness to cover deep routes. finalist for Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back. missed two games with a leg injury last year.

deflected three passes and intercepted two others against Texas. had nine career interceptions. from Ontario. Calif. "He's a good, smart athlete who has a chance to play for us," Connor said "He can also play free Thomas was disappointed.

"I felt I should have gone in at least the second or third round," Thomas said..