• First-rounder Coleman among six Bears selected in 2016 NFL draft

    Corey Coleman

    Six Bears were selected in last week’s NFL draft — the school’s highest total in a single draft since 1987 — though only five of them played football at Baylor. Confused? Read on.

    Corey Coleman got things started, going in the first round (15th overall) to the Cleveland Browns as the first wide receiver selected in this year’s draft. Browns head coach Hue Jackson called Coleman “one of the most dynamic players in this draft” and added that “this guy’s arrow is just going to go through the roof.” [Watch Coleman’s selection and introduction here.]

    Cornerback Xavien Howard followed, going early in the second round (38th overall) to the Miami Dolphins, who traded up to get him. Experts say Howard will have a good chance to start for the Dolphins in week one this fall.

    Projected by many to go in the first two rounds, defensive lineman Andrew Billings became a steal for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 4th round. Billings took the drop in stride, and says he’ll use it as motivation.

    Offensive lineman Spencer Drango followed one round later, joining Coleman (and another Bear, Robert Griffin III) when he was selected by the Browns in the 5th round. He will have a shot to win a starting spot at right tackle.

    Jimmy Landes became the only deep snapper selected in this year’s draft, going in the 6th round to the Detroit Lions. This video of Landes snapping a ball from the upper deck of McLane Stadium into a trash can on the field might have helped.

    And late in the sixth round, Baylor basketball (yes, basketball) star Rico Gathers was picked by the Dallas Cowboys, who plan to give the former power forward a try at tight end. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett called Gathers “a worthwhile opportunity,” noting that his style on the court should translate to the football field.

    The six Baylor draftees were more than any other Big 12 Conference or Texas school this year. Six more Bears have reportedly already signed as undrafted free agents: offensive linemen Blake Muir (San Francisco 49ers) and Jarell Broxton (Baltimore Ravens), wide receiver Jay Lee (Lions), defensive end Jamal Palmer (Tennessee Titans), and tight end Gus Penning and linebacker Grant Campbell (both with the Pittsburgh Steelers).

    Sic ’em, Bears in the NFL!