DALLAS (FWAA) – Eight members of the 2003 Football Writers Association of America All-America Team were chosen in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Four of the top six players chosen were FWAA All-Americans this past season and four other All-Americans where chosen in the second round.

Iowa tackle Robert Gallery, the 2003 Outland Trophy winner, was the second overall pick by the Raiders, followed by Pittsburgh receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who was chosen by the Cardinals. Miami defensive back Sean Taylor was the fifth overall pick by the Redskins, followed by Miami tight end Kellen Winslow, who was taken as the sixth overall pick by the Browns.

Four other FWAA All-Americans were then chosen in the first round: Oklahoma defensive tackle Tommie Harris (14th overall, Bears), Arkansas tackle Shawn Andrews (16th, Eagles), USC defensive end Kenechi Udeze (20th, Vikings) and Virginia Tech running back Kevin Jones (30th, Lions).

The four second-round picks were Oklahoma linebacker Teddy Lehman (37th overall, Lions), Virginia Tech center Jake Grove (45th, Raiders), Florida defensive back Keiwan Ratliff (49th, Bengals) and USC offensive lineman Jacob Rogers (52nd, Cowboys).

Of the 18 draft-eligible players from the 25-man All-America team, 16 were drafted. Four players were taken in the third round or later: Oklahoma defensive back Derrick Strait (76th overall, Jets), Ohio State defensive back Will Allen (111th, Buccaneers), UCLA defensive end Dave Ball (133rd, Chargers) and LSU defensive tackle Chad Lavalais (142nd, Falcons). Strait was the 2003 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as the nation's top defensive player.

In addition, two special teams players from the 2002 FWAA All-America team were drafted. Iowa kicker Nate Kaeding was the 65th overall selection (3rd round) by the Chargers and Kentucky return specialist Derek Abney was chosen in the seventh round (244th overall) by the Ravens.

The 900-plus member Football Writers Association of America has awarded an All-America team each season since 1944. The FWAA All-America Team is the second-oldest continuously named team in college football. For more information, go to www.footballwriters.com or www.allamericateam.com. Steve Richardson is the executive director of the FWAA.

Related links:
• FWAA All-America Team (www.allamericateam.com)
• 2003 FWAA All-America Team
• 2002 FWAA All-America Team