Louisville produces school-record 10 NFL draft picks
Louisville smashed its record for most players drafted this year as 10 former Cardinals heard their names called out during the 2015 NFL draft, nearly doubling the previous record of six set in 2005.
Louisville’s 10 draftees where the second-most of any school in the country, falling one short of ACC rival Florida State, who produced 11 draft picks.
"What an exciting day for our program," said Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino. "I'm very happy for all the players who were selected over the last three days. To have a total of 10 players drafted, it's a testament to the hard work these guys put in during their time at Louisville.
“I wish all these guys the best of luck, and thank them for all their contributions to our program. I look forward to watching them during their NFL careers."
Cardinals star wide receiver DeVante Parker got the ball rolling as he was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the No. 14 pick in the first round.
On Day 2 of the draft, 6-4, 323-pound offensive tackle Jamon Brown was chosen with the No. 8 pick (No. 72 overall) in the third round by the St. Louis Rams. Shortly after, Brown’s line mate, 6-2, 303-pound guard John Miller, was selected with the 81st overall pick by the Buffalo Bills.
Louisville saw its first defensive player get drafted one pick later when the New York Jets selected outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin with the 82nd pick in the draft.
Strong safety James Sample, who intercepted four passes last season, was taken in the fourth round (104 overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Cardinals were shutout in the fifth round, but they made up for it in the sixth when three players were drafted.
It didn’t take long for the run of Louisville players to start, as 6-5, 243-pound OLB Deiontrez Mount was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 177th pick, cornerback Charles Gaines went to the Cleveland Browns with the 189th pick and the Minnesota Vikings selected DE B.J. DeBose with the 193 pick.
Free safety Gerod Holliman, who tied an NCAA record with 14 interceptions last season, was scooped up by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round with the 239th pick.
Cardinals TE Gerald Christian had the honor of being the 2015 NFL draft’s Mr. Irrelevant, as he was taken by the Arizona Cardinals with the final pick in the draft.