Bullocks Leads Four Huskers in NFL Draft

Former Nebraska strong safety Daniel Bullocks was the first Husker selected in the 2006 NFL Draft, as the Detroit Lions tabbed Bullocks with the 40th overall pick in the second round. Three other 2005 seniors were selected on the second day of the draft, with Sam Koch going to the Baltimore Ravens, Le Kevin Smith selected by the New England Patriots and Titus Adams tabbed by the New York Jets.

Bullocks completed his Nebraska career in 2005, serving as one of two Husker co-captains last season, and was a second-team All-Big 12 selection each of the past two seasons. The 6-2, 210-pound Bullocks finished with 226 career tackles, the second-most ever by a Nebraska defensive back, while his 22 career pass breakups were the most ever by a Nebraska safety. Bullocks also finished with eight career interceptions to finish just outside of the Nebraska top 10. He played in 48 career games, with 33 starts, and started each of the final 32 games of his Nebraska career. 

Bullocks finished third on the team in 2005 with 83 total tackles, including four tackles for loss and added 10 pass breakups. Bullocks also scored a touchdown on a 30-yard fumble return against Wake Forest, while adding an interception. In 2004, Bullocks led Nebraska and ranked second in the Big 12 with five interceptions. He added 58 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and added nine pass breakups.

Ironically, Bullocks was taken with the 40th overall pick in the draft, the exact same selection as his twin brother, Josh, was taken in the 2005 NFL Draft. Josh Bullocks was selected by the New Orleans Saints in last year's draft and broke into the starting lineup during his rookie season. Daniel and Josh Bullocks teamed up as Nebraska's starting safeties in the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Bullocks' selection continues Nebraska's strong history of defensive backs being selected high in the NFL Draft. The Huskers have had seven defensive backs selected in the past seven NFL Drafts, with six of those in the first four rounds of the draft.

Koch's selection by Baltimore with the 203rd overall selection in the sixth round marked a milestone, as Koch is the first Nebraska punter ever selected in the NFL Draft. Koch set a Nebraska single-season record for punting average in 2005, booming his punts 46.51 yards per attempt and helping Nebraska rank second in the nation in net punting.

Smith and Adams were key components in a strong Nebraska Blackshirt defense in 2005, and fixtures on the NU defensive front for the past four seasons. A year ago, the duo played a key role in helping Nebraska in the top 25 nationally in three major defensive statistical categories, while also leading the nation in sacks with 50. Smith was selected with the 206th overall pick in the sixth round by New England, while Adams was picked 220th overall by the New York Jets.

The selection of the two defensive linemen gives Nebraska a total of 11 defensive linemen selected in the past nine NFL drafts. In addition to the four draftees, a pair of Huskers agreed to free-agent contracts following the draft. I-back Cory Ross was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens, while offensive lineman Seppo Evwaraye signed with the Carolina Panthers.