Reggie Nelson taken in first round of NFL draft; Soliai and Goldson taken in fourth round

Former Raven Reggie Nelson was selected in the first round of the NFL draft on April 28 by the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Nelson originally attended Coffeyville Community College and played for CCC during the 2004 season when he registered a team-high 72 tackles, six interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), two fumble recoveries, and four blocked kicks. He transferred to Florida in January of 2005 and then appeared in 11 contests (four starts) before tearing a knee ligament during bowl practice which required surgery, finishing the year with 46 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one pass defended, and one interception. In 2006, Nelson became a first team All-American after starting all 14 games and recording 51 total tackles, two tackles for loss, six interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), five pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and two blocked kicks. He also returned 12 punts for 93 yards in 2006.

Former Raven offensive guard Paul Soliai was taken in the fourth round by the Miami Dolphins.  He was drafted as a defensive tackle.

One of eight children, Soliai was team captain and an offensive lineman at Nuuuli Poly Tech in Pago Pago, American Samoa. He also lettered in basketball and soccer. Upon graduating, Soliai moved to the United States. He enrolled at Coffeyville Community College in 2002, where he excelled as an offensive guard. The two-time All-Jayhawk Community College Conference choice added All-America honorable mention as a freshman and first-team national honors in 2003.

Soliai transferred to the University of Utah in 2004, spending the season redshirting on the scout team. He shifted to the defensive line in 2005 spring camp, gaining valuable experience behind Kelly Talavou at nose guard. He managed just five tackles (four solos) with a sack and 1½ stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Soliai earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2006. He started the team's first 12 games at nose guard, but was ruled ineligible for post-season action. He registered 35 tackles (13 solos) with 2½ sacks, 3½ stops for losses and four pass deflections. He caused and recovered a fumble while also blocking an extra point attempt.

In 24 games at Utah, Soliai started 12 times. He produced 40 tackles (14 solos) with 3½ sacks for minus-27 yards and five stops for losses totaling 31 yards. He caused and recovered a fumble. He also was credited with four pass breakups and one blocked kick.

Corner back Dashon Goldson was selected in the fourth round by the San Francisco 49'ers.  Goldson was a safety at Coffeyville Community College who played for head coach Jeff Leiker. He helped the Ravens to a 9-3 record in 2003 and was named a first-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American. He also earned first-team all-Jayhawk Community College honors and was named the KJCCC defensive player of the year. Goldson finished sixth in the league with 99 tackles and had a pair of interceptions. Goldson moved from safety to corner in 2006 at the University of Washington. He was named honorable mention All-Pac 10 although he was limited during the year with a high ankle sprain.

Reggie Nelson