McKinney, Bernard Selected in NFL Draft
Apr 25, 2002 | Football
April 25, 2002
A pair of Aggies were picked by NFL teams during the NFL Draft on April 19-20.
All-America center Seth McKinney was selected in the third round (90th pick overall) by the Miami Dolphins, while defensive end Rocky Bernard was picked in the fifth round (146th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks.
McKinney becomes the eighth Aggie to be drafted by the Dolphins and the first since Richmond Webb was taken in the first round in 1990. McKinney was a two-time All-American and All-Big 12 selection while starting 50 consecutive games for the Aggies at offensive center. He joins older brother Steve (Houston Texans) in the professional ranks.
Bernard becomes the third Aggie defensive lineman drafted by the Seahawks, and the other two - Sam Adams in 1994 and Jacob Green in 1980 -- have gone on to earn trips to the NFL Pro Bowl. Bernard was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2001 after leading the Aggie defensive front with 69 tackles, including five quarterback sacks and 15 total tackles for losses.
Last year, Texas A&M led the Big 12 in producing NFL talent with 33 former players in the NFL.
In addition, three A&M football players have signed free agent contracts with National Football League teams since last weekend's draft.
Joining McKinney and Bernard in the NFL are defensive back Jay Brooks, inside linebacker Harold Robertson and outside linebacker Christian Rodriguez. All three new signees have already received their diplomas from Texas A&M.
Brooks was picked up by the New York Jets after an injury-plagued season that saw him miss three games. Brooks still managed 50 tackles with five tackles for losses and four broken up passes in 2001. For his career, Brooks posted 150 tackles, made 18 tackles for losses (TFL) and broke up 18 opponent aerials. Brooks was also one of the most feared punt blockers in the nation with five career punt blocks.
Robertson, a spot starter throughout his career, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. As a senior, Robertson produced 34 tackles and made three tackles behind the line of scrimmage. For his career, Robertson contributed 75 stops, four TFLs and broke up seven passes.
Rodriguez signed with the Indianapolis Colts after a strong senior season, which was his first as a starter. Rodriguez compiled 35 tackles, while posting 5.5 quarterback sacks and 14 total TFLs in 2001. During his career, Rodriguez produced 93 tackles, 8.5 quarterback sacks and 20 total TFLs.
