Manny Ramirez, Joel Filani and Keyunta Dawson were selected on the second day of the draft.
Manny Ramirez: Round 4 # 117 - Detroit Lions
Ramirez is one of the strongest offensive linemen in the collegiate ranks, boasting a school-record bench press of 550 pounds.
The four-year starter at right offensive guard is very proficient at protecting the quarterback, having operated in the team’s explosive spread offense that averaged 493.98 yards per game and 59 touchdowns per season during his four years manning the right guard position.
Ramirez was recruited heavily by Kansas State, Houston, Texas-El Paso and Iowa State, but enrolled at Texas Tech in 2002. He competed as an offensive guard on the scout team that year.
In 2003, he started 10 games at offensive guard. He was an integral component of the nation’s top-ranked pass offense, helping the team reduce the number of sacks allowed from 46 in 2002 to 25, as Ramirez allowed only 1½ sacks for the season. He also set a school record with a 525-pound bench press.
Here are some other links related to Manny Ramirez getting drafted:
Adding to the Offensive Line
At 6-3 and 326 Pounds, Guard Manny Ramirez should be a solid addition in the trenches. Read the Story
Joel Filani: Round 6 # 188 - Tennessee Titans
Playing for a team that has featured a quartet of standout receivers that includes Jarrett Hicks, Robert Johnson and Doug Walker, Filani (pronounced fih-LAH-nee) emerged as one of the elite playmakers in the collegiate ranks during his senior season.
When Hicks was sidelined earlier in the season due to academic issues, Filani seized the opportunity to take over the role as the team’s go-to receiver inside the red zone — his 13 touchdown catches tying for the most in the Big 12 in 2006.
In 2006, Filani finished fourth in the Big 12 and tops among receivers with 102.62 total yards per game. He led the team with a career-high 91 receptions, and finished second in the conference to Johnson with 7.00 receptions per game.
In 50 games (42 as a receiver) at Texas Tech, Filani started 25 times. He caught 175 passes for 2,667 yards (15.2 avg) and is second on the school’s career record list with 23 touchdown receptions. He rushed 18 times for 111 yards (6.2 avg) and recorded seven tackles (six solos) with one fumble recovery.
Keyunta Dawson: Round 7 # 242 - Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up their draft weekend by taking Texas Tech defensive end Keyunta Dawson in the seventh round today. Dawson is expected to add another pass rusher to the Colts rotation.
Punter Alex Reyes inked a three-year free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings, while offensive tackle Gabe Hall and wide receiver Jarrett Hicks signed with the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers.
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