Jordan Zumwalt goes to Steelers in sixth round as UCLA’s fifth 2014 selection

After sitting through most of Saturday morning, UCLA linebacker Jordan Zumwalt finally got a call from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became the 192nd overall pick, going in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound defender has holes in his game, but caught the eyes of scouts with his fiery playing style. Zumwalt pushed his draft stock up late with a Co-Sun Bowl MVP performance, earning himself an invite to the Senior Bowl. He’ll likely contribute immediately on special teams, with a chance to play himself into the linebacker rotation.

He was the fifth Bruin to be taken in the 2014 NFL draft, following a pair of fourth-round picks in defensive end Cassius Marsh and receiver Shaq Evans. Continue reading “Jordan Zumwalt goes to Steelers in sixth round as UCLA’s fifth 2014 selection” »

UCLA’s Cassius Marsh, Shaq Evans picked in fourth round of NFL draft

In the span of eight picks Saturday morning, UCLA doubled its 2014 NFL draft production.

Defensive end Cassius Marsh and receiver Shaq Evans both went in the fourth round, going 108th overall to the Seattle Seahawks and 115th overall to the New York Jets. They were the third and fourth Bruins picked this year, after linebacker Anthony Barr (ninth) and offensive guard Xavier Su’a-Filo (33rd).

Despite racking up 10.5 tackles for loss last season, Marsh is a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-4, 252 pounds — perhaps too small for defensive end and too slow for linebacker at the next level. Still, he is a versatile player who also worked out for teams as a tight end.

Evans led the team with 709 yards and nine touchdowns on 47 catches. He won’t beat anyone flat out with his speed (4.51-second 40-yard dash), but has good enough hands and size at 6-foot-1 to develop into a useful target.

Picked ninth, UCLA’s Anthony Barr becomes highest-drafted Bruin since 1996

That late fall was overblown after all.

None of the recent chatter about UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr’s supposed falling stock mattered. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him ninth overall, making him the top Bruin taken since 1996, when Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden went fourth.

“When you draw it up, does he look like Jason Taylor or what?” said NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, comparing Barr to the six-time Pro Bowler. “That’s kind of how he plays.” Continue reading “Picked ninth, UCLA’s Anthony Barr becomes highest-drafted Bruin since 1996” »