Pair of Bears selected in 2010 NFL Draft

Baylor senior J.D. Walton (pictured above) got the good news Saturday, while fellow senior David Gettis got word Sunday. Each was selected during this weekend’s 2010 NFL Draft, with Walton going to the Denver Broncos in the third round and Gettis to the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round.

Three other Bears signed free agent contracts following the draft: Joe Pawelek (Seattle Seahawks), Jason Lamb (New York Jets) and Ernest Smith (San Diego Chargers). Trey Bryant (St. Louis Rams) and Carter Brunelle (Green Bay Packers) were invited to rookie mini-camp tryouts, as well.

Walton, a three-year starter at center for Baylor after transferring from Arizona State, last fall became the Bears’ first non-special teams player to be named an Associated Press All-American since 1991. The Broncos’ starting center position is open, and Walton will have a shot at winning the job this fall.

Following Jason Smith’s selection as the No. 2 overall pick last year, with Walton’s pick the Bears have had offensive linemen drafted in consecutive years for the first time since 1987-88. Gettis, meanwhile, is the Bears’ highest-drafted receiver since Melvin Bonner went to the Broncos in 1993.

Sic ’em, Baylor football!