The 2015 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 30 and several former Old Dominion Monarchs are hoping to be drafted or sign undrafted free agent contracts after the draft on Saturday, May 2.
Quarterback – Taylor Heinicke – Atlanta, Ga./Collins Hill
Heinicke is ranked anywhere between No. 7-15 in the quarterback rankings and projected as a 6th-7th round draft pick. The first Monarch to play at the prestigious East-West Shrine Game, Heinicke threw for 14,959 yards and 132 touchdowns while also running for 22 touchdowns. He ranks in the top-five all-time in Division I in passing yards, touchdowns, total offense and total touchdowns. He has taken pre-draft visits to the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings. Heinicke passed for 3,476 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2015.
Offensive Line – Josh Mann – Virginia Beach, Va./Ocean Lakes
Mann was a three-year starter on the offensive line for the Monarchs, starting 35 games at center. He helped the ODU offense average more than 400 yards per game all three seasons he started and was named First-Team All-Conference USA center in 2015.
Long Snapper – Rick Lovato – Middletown, N.J./Middletown
Lovato was a four-year starter at long snapper for ODU, snapping for both punts and field goals/PAT’s during his career. He earned FCS All-America honors in 2012 and received Conference USA honorable mention laurels in 2015. He had a workout with the Miami Dolphins.
Wide Receiver – Antonio Vaughan – Ahoskie, N.C./Herndon County
Vaughan is the ODU career leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He finished his senior season with 63 catches for 1,019 yards and 12 touchdowns and was named First-Team All-Conference USA. Vaughan had a season-best nine catches in the win against Louisiana Tech and a high of 221 receiving yards at Western Kentucky. He has had several workouts with NFL teams including the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos.
The NFL Draft starts tonight with the first round and the second and third round taking place on Friday. The draft finishes up on Saturday starting at noon.
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