Weathersby Not Picked in First Three Rounds

Dennis Weathersby, projected by some as a first-round selection before a shooting incident last week, was not picked Saturday during the first three rounds of the NFL draft.

Weathersby, a 6-foot-1, 206-pound defensive back from Oregon State and Duarte High, was shot in the back last Sunday, apparently by a gang member, in his hometown. The bullet entered his lower back, passed through his torso and struck his left arm.

No surgery was required, though he spent five nights at Santa Teresita Hospital in Duarte before his release Friday.

Doctors expect Weathersby to make a full recovery, but in NFL circles, questions clearly remain.

There were 18 defensive backs among the 97 players selected in the first three rounds Saturday, including six in the first round.

Weathersby, 22, played 48 games at Oregon State. He was a four-year starter and a three-time Pacific 10 Conference All-Academic selection. He had five interceptions.

The last four rounds of the draft are today.