Carter picked by Cardinals in 6th round

The Shriners are known for their charitable acts across the world, their donation of time and money.

In David Carter’s case, they just gave him a chance. And that chance paid off.

Following a monster performance in the East-West Shrine Game following the season, the UCLA senior defensive tackle was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 19th pick of the 6th round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, 184th overall. UCLA senior kicker Kai Forbath, the 2009 Lou Groza Award winner, was not drafted.

After consulting with a new personal coach who helped refine his hand placement, leverage and point of attack in December, Carter drew raves during Shrine Game practices and got on the draft radar.

“I showed my newfound tools,” Carter said. “That’s where everybody saw how I could do it. I was taught how to play the position, I had a good time, and made me some money, as my coach said.”

Carter, who had 41 tackles and 3.5 sacks during his senior year, his lone season as a starter, said the Carter household was lively on Saturday as first his brother, Chris, was selected with the 31st pick of the fifth round, 22 picks ahead of David.

“It was overwhelming to see him go, to see his emotions, and sure enough I went right after,” Carter said. “It was great. Everyone in the house was passing out. My girlfriend passed out, my mom fainted.

“Both her baby boys were drafted today.”

Partial Moore conference call

Opening statement: “I’m excited to be in Denver, I’m excited to be playing with Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey, DJ Williams, man I can’t wait.

On being a Bronco:
“This is perfect for me, learning from guys like Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey, a place I can go easily in and learn and be one of the next Hall of Famers.”

On where he was drafted, and why he went to the draft:
“I knew I was pretty much what range I was going to, I knew it was a possibility yesterday. I never trained to be a 1st rounder, I trained to be in NFL. I’m proud to contribute and be a part of the legacy of the Broncos.”

On his emotions:
“I was emotional because this is going to change my whole life. This is my dream. I’m excited. It’s the favorite part of my life so far. It’s funny how you go from nothing to something.”

On the Broncos:
“They have a legacy with John Elway, Rod Smith, Atwater. I know a lot about Denver. I’m a big fan, I can’t wait to contribute. The first thing John Fox said was, ‘Are you ready to win a Super Bowl? I said yes sir.”

On being at the draft with his mom:
“My mom she’s excited. This is one of the better days of her life. I’m glad she’s hear to experience with me. She’s my no. 1. she’s my pride. She’s happy, I’m happy. I’m going to move her out there. I want her there every step of the way.”

On being drafted in the second round:
“The thing about the rounds, if there was no one interested or money wasn’t an issue, the rounds wouldn’t matter. It’s not about when you get drafted or where, its whats you do when you get there. The main objective is you’re in the NFL. Look how many guys don’t get to come to New York?”

Partial Ayers conference call

On draft day and not being picked in the first round:
“I knew there was really nothing else I could do much more. All the work put in, all the meetings done, at that moment, it was on teams. I’d put the work in, done everything I could do up to that point.”

On deciding to return from New York this morning and not stay at the Draft:
“I just felt like it was the best at the time. I didn’t really honestly plan on being there an extra day. As far as my family – my flight was already booked. Everything was already set up for the plane to leave. I thought it was best for me to come home and spend the time with my family.”

On being drafted by Tennessee:
“I’m real excited to have the opportunity to play there. I think I fit into the scheme well. I’m happy they took me and excited, ready to get to work.”

On talking to Alterraun Verner, former UCLA DB and current Titan:
“I texted Alterraun, but I haven’t had time to call him. I’ll probably call him after this.”

On having Verner in the pros:
“It helps out a lot. Someone from my same background, grew up in L.A., experienced same things, same college. Adjusting to Tennessee and the coaches, it’ll be great to have someone out there.”

On Jevon Kearse announcing his pick:
“I’ve seen him a lot, just being a monster off the edge. Just making plays and as a pass rusher. I’ve seen him a lot growing up. It was pretty cool. I didn’t get to see it because I was on the car on my way home. Just missed it by about 10 minutes.

On the excitement being dampened by the fact he didn’t go in round 1:
“I was still excited, probably even better because it was a surprise. I didn’t know who was picking. Driving home, random call, didn’t know who it was. It was equal, maybe a greater feeling answering the phone and not knowing who it is.”

On the next few months:
“It’s going to be a lot where I have to really be focused and dedicated to do a lot on my own. I’m not sure how it’s going to work out. Knowing for sure I can control what I can control, which is my effort, i’ll be able to really participate.”

On Rahim Moore:
“We didn’t really get a chance to talk. It was late last night, people had a lot going through their minds. Didn’t get a chance to talk to him.”

Ayers to Titans at pick 39

UCLA junior linebacker Akeem Ayers has just been selected with the seventh pick in the second round, pick 39 overall. Ayers will be a strong fit for the Titans, who need an outside linebacker or two, after getting just 5.5 sacks from linebacker last year.

Ayers will join former UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner with the Titans. Junior safety Rahim Moore is projected to be picked up shortly in the draft.

A conference call with Ayers is planned for later today.

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