Defensive back Will Parks became the first Arizona player to be selected in the 2016 NFL draft when the Denver Broncos picked him in the sixth round Saturday.
The reigning Super Bowl champions took Parks with the third-to-last pick in the round, No. 219 overall. The Broncos were among the teams Parks recently had visited.
Parks started climbing up draft boards during the offseason. After a productive senior season in which he led the Wildcats in tackles (76) and pass breakups (seven), Parks had an impressive pro day. At 6 feet, 204 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds and managed 22 bench-press reps.
Parks became a leader at Arizona thanks to his work ethic and infectious personality. He became the first Wildcat to be drafted since three were selected in 2014 (KaβDeem Carey, Shaquille Richardson, Marquis Flowers).
Under GM John Elway, the Broncos have developed a reputation for finding late-round gems, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
As the seventh and final round began, Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright β considered by most the schoolβs top prospect β had yet to be selected.
