Two N.C. State football players were selected at the 2008 NFL Draft held April 26 to 27 in New York City. Deputy Sports Editor Langdon Morris breaks down what happened and why.

DaJuan Morgan

Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Drafted: Round 3 Pick 19 (No. 82 overall)

Analysis: The Chiefs made DaJuan Morgan their sixth pick in three rounds in a stacked draft class due to their trading of Pro Bowl defensive end Jarryd Allen to the Minnesota Vikings. Morgan’s decision to forgo his senior season proved to be a good one, as many draft analysts had him as high as the No. 2 available safety, and though he slipped to the third round, Morgan proved to scouts that he has the size, speed, and instincts to compete at the next level. Look for Morgan to have an immediate presence on the field in special teams, and he could also slowly work his way into the rotation at safety in a Kansas City defense looking to rebuild.

DeMario Pressley

Team: New Orleans Saints

Drafted: Round 5 Pick 9 (No. 144 overall)

Analysis: The Saints’ selection of Pressley with their third pick in the draft was somewhat of a surprise, as they had already selected USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis with the No. 7 overall pick. It’s clear that the Saints want depth on their defensive line, and Pressley can certainly add it. The big question mark with Pressley is his durability, as he frequently battled nagging injuries in college. Still, Pressley has upside. He was one of the top defensive tackles in the country his senior year of high school. If he can stay healthy, he can help give the Saints needed depth on the defensive line.

Marcus Stone

Team: Chicago Bears

Drafted: Signed undrafted free agent rookie contract

Analysis: As expected, Stone went undrafted. But the Chicago Bears took a shot on Stone after an Illinois minicamp for undrafted players in which Stone was one of four (out of 28) offered a contract. Though he lacks ideal speed and size, Stone’s hands were among the most reliable on State’s team last season. Stone will likely see no playing time, as the Bears already have veteran Desmond Clark and a young talent in former Miami star Greg Olsen to fill in the tight end slots.