DALLAS (FWAA) – Eleven members of the 2004 Football Writers Association of America All-America Team were chosen in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Four of the top nine players - including overall No. 1 pick Alex Smith of Utah - chosen were FWAA All-Americans this past season and a total of 19 were chosen in the two-day draft. Additionally, four 2003 FWAA All-Americans were drafted, two in the first round.

Smith, the Utah quarterback, was the top overall selection by the 49ers, followed by Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards, who was chosen by the Browns at No. 3. Miami defensive back Antrel Rolle was the eighth overall pick by the Cardinals, followed by Auburn cornerback Carlos Rogers, who was taken as the ninth overall pick by the Redskins.

Seven other 2004 FWAA All-Americans were then chosen in the first round: Outland Trophy-winning offensive tackle Jammal Brown of Oklahoma (13th, Saints); Bronko Nagurski Trophy-winning Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson (15th, Chiefs), Georgia defensive end David Pollack (17th, Bengals); Wisconsin defensive end Erasmus James (18th, Vikings); Outland finalist and Florida State offensive tackle Alex Barron (19th, Rams); Michigan defensive back Marlon Jackson (29th, Colts) and Virginia tight end Heath Miller (30th, Steelers).

Sixteen of the first 33 picks were FWAA All-Americans, including each of the three Outland Trophy finalists. The five second-round picks were Outland finalist and Michigan offensive lineman David Baas (33rd, 49ers); USC defensive tackle Shaun Cody (37th, Lions); Cal running back J.J. Arrington (44th, Cardinals); Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent (47th, Jets); and Oklahoma defensive lineman Dan Cody (53rd, Ravens).

Four players from the 2003 FWAA All-America team were drafted. USC receiver Mike Williams (10th, Lions); Oklahoma receiver Mark Clayton (22nd, Ravens); Tennessee punter Dustin Colquitt (99th, Chiefs) and Oklahoma return specialist Antonio Perkins (103rd, Browns).

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)
• 2004 FWAA All-America Team
• 2003 FWAA All-America Team