NFL DRAFT \ News and notes

Disappointing draft: Two players from Mahoning County -- Syracuse running back Walter Reyes (Struthers) and Oklahoma State lineman Sam Mayes (Fitch) -- were not selected in the draft. Reyes, who was projected as a mid-round pick after finishing his career with the Orangemen as the second-leading rusher in school history, will sign a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans. Both players suffered injuries in postseason all-star games. Reyes aggravated a shoulder injury in the Champs Sports Bowl and Mayes broke his leg in The Villages Gridiron Classic. Messages left for both players were not returned.
Ohio State: Clarett was one of three Buckeyes selected. Kicker Mike Nugent went to the Jets in the second round (47th overall) and Dustin Fox (80th) was picked by the Vikings in the third round. A record 14 Buckeyes were chosen last year.
Local connection: Channing Crowder, a linebacker from the University of Florida, was drafted by Miami in the third round -- 31 years after his father, Randy, was picked by the Dolphins in the sixth round of the 1974 draft. Randy Crowder was a Parade All-American defensive lineman at Farrell High School and went on to play for Penn State.
Vindicator staff report