Butler, Hagans Selected Back to Back in NFL Draft

Brad Butler

Virginia players Brad Butler and Marques Hagans became the second and third Cavaliers selected in the 2006 NFL Draft on Sunday when they were taken in the fifth round. Buter, an offensive tackle, is headed to the Buffalo Bills, while Hagans, a quarterback/receiver, is getting a chance with the St. Louis Rams. The two players were the No. 143 and No. 144 picks, respectively.

Butler, a 6-7 309-pounder, was the Bills' first offensive selection of the draft. Buffalo went with defense on its first five picks. Butler started 31 straight games at right tackle for Virginia. Rob Rang, Senior Analyst at NFLDraftScout.com, believed that consistency as a starter would help Butler's chances of getting selected.

"Of the group, I've been most impressed with Brad Butler. While he doesn't have a great deal of athleticism or upside, his consistency certainly stands out in a draft where offensive tackle depth is a bit lean," Rang said.

Marques Hagans

Hagans, meanwhile, is part of a large group of players in this year's draft that may be switching from quarterback to receiver or returner. Among the other players drafted in that potential role were Brad Smith of Missouri (Jets) and Penn State's Michael Robinson (49ers).

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper said during the draft telecast that Hagans had a lot of potential in the NFL, but his combine times slid him down the draft board. Kiper compared him to Washington's Antwan Randle-El.

"You saw already early in his career the ability to be a player that can catch the football. ... He also returned punts and as a quarterback, he showed strong legs and the ability in the open field as far as quickness and explosiveness are concerned to take it the distance at times ," Kiper said on the TV broadcast. "I think when you look at him at wide receiver, he shows some skills. He has some natural ability catching the football, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to control things with good upper body control."

Stay tuned to the Sabre.com for more information on the Cavaliers' draft picks.

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