Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders Look to Hear Name Called During NFL Draft
April 26, 2018 | Football
Watch OnlineNFL Draft BiosFollow @TexasTechFB on TwitterFollow TexasTech_FB on InstagramLike The Red Raiders on Facebook
The NFL Draft begins at 7 p.m. CT Thursday night with coverage on FOX, ESPN and NFL Network
LUBBOCK, Texas – The dream of reaching the NFL will hopefully become a reality for several Red Raiders this weekend as the 2018 NFL Draft begins Thursday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Â
The likes of Keke Coutee, Dylan Cantrell, Nic Shimonek, Cameron Batson, Talor Nunez, Derrick Willies, Justin Stockton and Mychealon Thomas will hope to hear their names called during the three-day draft that begins with the opening round Thursday followed by rounds two and three Friday night and the remaining four rounds Saturday.
Â
Tech has had four players selected in the NFL Draft over the last two years alone, headlined by Patrick Mahomes II, who was the No. 10 overall selection by the Kansas City Chiefs a year ago. Mahomes jumped up the draft board with the Chiefs trading up to select the gunslinger, making him the highest-drafted quarterback in Tech history.
Â
Three different Red Raiders were selected in 2016, beginning with Le'Raven Clark in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts. He was followed two rounds later by DeAndre Washington with the Oakland Raiders and then Jakeem Grant in the sixth round by the Miami Dolphins.
Â
Â
Welker was passed over through all seven rounds in 2004 before signing with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He went on to redefine the role of an inside receiver, catching over 900 passes for 9,924 yards during his 13-year career that featured five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections. Welker is best known for his six seasons with the Patriots where he led the NFL in receptions three times before signing with the Denver Broncos in 2013.
Â
Amendola, likewise, went undrafted in 2008 but created a similar niche as an inside receiver first for the St. Louis Rams and then most recently as part of the New England Patriots' dynasty. Amendola, who recently signed with the Miami Dolphins, claimed two Super Bowl titles during his five-seasons in New England as he became known by "Danny Playoffs" for his key catches during the Patriots' postseason runs.
Â
FOX, ESPN and NFL Network will all have coverage of the NFL Draft, which begins at 7 p.m. CT Thursday night and resumes at 6 p.m. Friday evening and then 11 a.m. Saturday. For complete coverage of the Red Raiders this weekend, follow @TexasTechFB on Twitter.
Â
Â
The likes of Keke Coutee, Dylan Cantrell, Nic Shimonek, Cameron Batson, Talor Nunez, Derrick Willies, Justin Stockton and Mychealon Thomas will hope to hear their names called during the three-day draft that begins with the opening round Thursday followed by rounds two and three Friday night and the remaining four rounds Saturday.
Â
Tech has had four players selected in the NFL Draft over the last two years alone, headlined by Patrick Mahomes II, who was the No. 10 overall selection by the Kansas City Chiefs a year ago. Mahomes jumped up the draft board with the Chiefs trading up to select the gunslinger, making him the highest-drafted quarterback in Tech history.
Â
Three different Red Raiders were selected in 2016, beginning with Le'Raven Clark in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts. He was followed two rounds later by DeAndre Washington with the Oakland Raiders and then Jakeem Grant in the sixth round by the Miami Dolphins.
Â
In recent years, the NFL has also found Tech to be a proven commodity in finding undrafted Red Raiders, namely with successful wide receivers in Wes Welker and Danny Amendola. Â#TexasTech ?? NFL
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 26, 2018
This time last year @PatrickMahomes5 was the talk of the #NFLDraft ???? #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/3BmvDXV0Ko
Â
Welker was passed over through all seven rounds in 2004 before signing with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He went on to redefine the role of an inside receiver, catching over 900 passes for 9,924 yards during his 13-year career that featured five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections. Welker is best known for his six seasons with the Patriots where he led the NFL in receptions three times before signing with the Denver Broncos in 2013.
Â
Amendola, likewise, went undrafted in 2008 but created a similar niche as an inside receiver first for the St. Louis Rams and then most recently as part of the New England Patriots' dynasty. Amendola, who recently signed with the Miami Dolphins, claimed two Super Bowl titles during his five-seasons in New England as he became known by "Danny Playoffs" for his key catches during the Patriots' postseason runs.
Â
FOX, ESPN and NFL Network will all have coverage of the NFL Draft, which begins at 7 p.m. CT Thursday night and resumes at 6 p.m. Friday evening and then 11 a.m. Saturday. For complete coverage of the Red Raiders this weekend, follow @TexasTechFB on Twitter.
Â
Dynamic.
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 24, 2018
Dylan Cantrell is one of several Red Raiders looking to have his named called this weekend during the #NFLDraft. #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/Cqrnw4Y2rx
Turning a dream into a reality. Good luck this weekend, Nic Shimonek (@N_shim_9er)! #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/ReBlqjeSwg
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 24, 2018
Explosive.
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 25, 2018
Looking forward to seeing where @TheKekeCoutee goes this weekend during the #NFLDraft! #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/oi2vQdF5An
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DL
/ Football
QB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
/ FootballSpring Game Recap
Saturday, April 18
Spring Game Postgame Press Conference
Friday, April 17
Cameron Dickey Spring Media
Tuesday, April 14
John Curry Spring Media
Tuesday, April 14