April 23, 2005
With the 60th pick overall and 26th in the second round of the 2005 Amateur National Football League Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Illinois cornerback Kelvin Hayden. Hayden becomes only the second second-round pick for the Illini in the last five years, the highest selected since Eugene Wilson in 2003 (36th, 2nd).
"I am very excited and kind of surprised," Hayden said. "My agent was saying late second, but I had heard that it would be the third round. I got the call first before I saw my name pop up. When they called they said `Watch in about 10 seconds you're going to be a Colt.' I am just so overwhelmed right now. I don't know how to express myself. My mom is really happy. She didn't want me to go far from home."
Hayden, a second-team All-Big Ten pick last season, finished his Illini career with statistics on both offense and defense. In his only year at corner, Hayden recorded 71 tackles and led the team in interceptions with four after leading Illinois in receiving in 2003. Playing in his best game of the season, Hayden limited Michigan's first-round pick Braylon Edwards to three catches and only 18 yards. Hayden was hampered this season with a shoulder injury which hurt him in early draft projections, but his stock rose this week when he was given a clean bill of health.
ADDITIONAL HAYDEN QUOTES
On going to a strong defensive team
"This is a great opportunity for me (to go to a strong team like the Indianapolis Colts). It's a lot like Eugene Wilson going to New England and contending for a Super Bowl right away."
On his previous shoulder injury
"Every team I visited, the doctors talked with me. They pulled at my shoulder to make sure it wouldn't pop out again. They just wanted to make sure they knew what they were getting. I feel very healthy."
On whether he thought the change in positions his senior year hurt his chances in the draft
"I wasn't really thinking about that at the time. I just wanted to do what was best for the team. The success of the team was more important than my personal goals. I knew everything would work out. Everything happens for a reason."
