PROVO -- For the first time since 1995, five different BYU players were selected in the NFL Draft, including tight end Doug Jolley and defensive end Ryan Denney, who were both selected in the second round.
The two second-round selections mark the first time two Cougars have been drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft since Shawn Knight and Jason Buck were picked in the first round of the 1987 Draft.
Jolley, who's father was a seven-year NFL veteran, was the top BYU player selected as the 23rd selection in the second round (55th overall) by the Oakland Raiders. Jolley was the fourth tight end taken in Saturday's selection process.
"I hadn't really heard that much from Oakland," Jolley said. "I was a little shocked when the called; I thought it might have been some kind of joke. I can't wait to get there. I really couldn't ask for anything better. I'm excited to play for Al Davis and the Raiders. But for now, I'm just glad it is all over with."
Denney, who was the 29th pick in the second round, the 61st overall, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Denney is expecting to help the Bills fill an immediate need at left end.
"Before the draft, I took a trip to Buffalo and was really impressed," Denney said. "I spent some time with each coach and felt really good about my visit. They told me there would be a spot open, and if they picked me, I would have a shot."
In addition to Jolley and Denney, quarterback Brandon Doman was selected on Sunday in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49'ers. Doman, who did not become a starter until the final two games of his junior season posted an impressive 14-2 record as a starter, including a 14-0 run before falling to Hawaii in his final regular-season game as a Cougar. Doman was the ninth quarterback selected in the draft.
"The last few months, everything has gone so well," Doman said. "With all the all-star games and workouts, and with all the great people who have been helping me, I guess you can stay my stock has gone up a bit. I feel so blessed. I really do. This is absolutely a dream come true."
Doak Walker Award winner Luke Staley was also selected on Sunday, earning a seventh-round selection by the Detroit Lions. Defensive end Brett Keisel was also a seventh-round selection, taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Cougars led the Mountain West with five draft picks, while UNLV had four selections. San Diego State had three draft picks, followed by Utah with two. New Mexico had one selection, while Air Force, Colorado State and Wyoming did not have any players selected in the 2002 NFL Draft.
Those who were not drafted but are expected to sign later as free agents, including Justin Ena (MLB), Jason Scukanec (C), Teag Whiting (OG).