With just four picks remaining in the draft, the first Eastern Michigan Eagle prospect heard his name called Saturday evening.
After leading his program to its first bowl game since 1987, defensive end Pat O’Connor will now bring his pass rushing talents to the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.
O’Connor became the third MAC selection to join the Lions after Northern Illinois wide receiver Kenny Golladay and Ohio linebacker Blair Brown were previously selected. Detroit sits less than 40 miles from Ypsilanti, the town in which Eastern Michigan University resides.
O’Connor, a two-time All-MAC selection, played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January.