The Chicago Bears picked Vanderbilt offensive lineman Chris Willams and wide receiver Earl Bennett to join the team in this weekend's NFL Draft.
Williams was selected 14th in the first round, and Bennett's selection came in the draft's third round.
Williams, who earned first team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a senior captain for the Commodores, went faster in the NFL Draft than any previous Vanderbilt offensive lineman.
"I'm extremely pleased for Chris. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving person," said Vanderbilt head coach Bobby Johnson. "Chris is the total package. He's talented beyond belief, he's a tremendous teammate and he's just a great person. Chris is an outstanding representative of this university and our football program."
Bennett becomes the first Commodore receiver selected in the NFL draft since 1988 when Carl Parker was picked by Cincinnati in the 12th round.
His career at Vanderbilt ranks among the greatest ever by a Southeastern Conference receiver. After three years with the Commodores, Bennett entered the NFL Draft with 236 career catches, nearly 30 more than any other receiver in league history. He also ranks among the SEC all-time leaders in receiving yardage, and is second among all Commodores in career touchdown catches.
"Earl's production on the field was amazing," Johnson said. "Every team we faced focused on slowing Earl and he still produced at a remarkable level. From the minute he stepped on the field as a true freshman, Earl impacted our team."
For more on Williams' selection, click here. For more on Bennett's selection, click here.
