Charles Rogers chosen 2nd overall in NFL draft; eight Blacks among top 10 picks

Jet, May 12, 2003

It seemed like deja vu all over again for the NFL, as eight of the 10 top players in this year's NFL draft were Black.

Charles Rogers, a wide receiver from Michigan State, was chosen No. 2 overall by the Detroit Lions. Rogers is a deep threat who has the ability to make yards after a catch.

The Houston Texans selected Miami's Andre Johnson as the No. 3 draft pick. Johnson is a wide receiver who averaged 21 yards a catch last season.

The New York Jets selected Dewayne Robertson, a defensive tackle from Kentucky, as the No. 4 pick. Robertson finished his college career with 114 tackles, 26 for loss, and 10 1/2 sacks.

Terence Newman, a cornerback from Kansas State, was the No. 5 pick chosen by the Dallas Cowboys. This First-Team All-America cornerback won the Thorpe Award last year as the nation's best defensive back.

The New Orleans Saints made a deal with the Arizona Cardinals that allowed them to take No. 6 draft pick Johnathan Sullivan, Georgia's defensive tackle. A powerful tackler, he plugs the hole in any running game and is known as the extra "effort" guy.

Byron Leftwich, a top-quality quarterback from Marshall, was the No. 7 draft pick and selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Leftwich is cool under pressure and hard to tackle.

The Minnesota Vikings went for No. 9 pick Kevin Williams, an Oklahoma State defensive tackle. Williams was a four-year starter with 61 stops, 14 for loss, and seven sacks.

Arizona State's Terrell Suggs, the 10th pick, was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens. This First-Team All-America defensive tackle set an NCAA record with 22 sacks last season.