April 21, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
University of Maryland seniors Melvin Fowler and Charles Hill were both selected on the first day of the National Football League's amateur draft in New York City on Saturday.
Fowler was chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the 76th overall pick of the draft, the 11th of the third round. The New York native was a 44-game starter at center for the Terrapins, a first team All-ACC selection in 2001, and a Rimington Award finalist (award recognizing the nation's top collegiate center).
Hill parlayed a superb senior season and strong postseason workouts into being selected by the upstart Houston Texans a few picks later. He was selected with the 83rd overall choice in the draft, the 18th of the third round. Hill was Maryland's second-leading tackler in 2001 (81 tackles), posted two sacks, eight tackles for loss and earned honorable mention All-ACC status.
The draft continues today as rounds four through six will be completed with the fourth round beginning at 11:00 a.m.
