NFL drafts Ute, Cougar in 2nd round

Even on draft day, not much separated Eric Weddle and John Beck.

After a season spent sharing headlines around the state, the University of Utah defensive back and BYU quarterback were drafted three spots apart Saturday.

Weddle went first, going early in the second round (37th overall) to San Diego. The two-time Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year was selected after the Chargers made a trade to move up in the second round.

Three picks later, Beck, the 2006 MWC offensive player of the year, was picked by Miami at No. 40 overall. The Dolphins made the surprise pick of the first round, selecting Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. and passing on highly regarded quarterback Brady Quinn of Notre Dame.

Weddle and Beck shared Deseret Morning News Athlete of the Year honors after concluding their standout college careers with victories in bowl games. Weddle, a freshman all-American in 2003, was a four-year starter who was part of the best season in Utah history — the 2004 Fiesta Bowl-winning team coached by Urban Meyer. While with Utah, Weddle won two conference championships and was a consensus all-American in 2006 who contributed heavily on offense and special teams, as well.

Beck was a seven-time MWC offensive player of the week in 2006 while throwing for 3,885 yards and 32 touchdowns.

• HE'S NO. 1: Oakland selects LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the top pick in the draft.

• SURPRISE! Ted Ginn Jr. of Ohio State going No. 9 overall to Miami is the shocker of the first round.

• LONG AWAITED: Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn finally is selected after falling to No. 22 overal.

• SELECT COMPANY: Utah's Eric Weddle is picked early in the second round (No. 37 overall) by San Diego.

• WAIT! ANOTHER 2ND: Three picks after Weddle, BYU's John Beck is selected by Miami (No. 40 overall).