Former Irish receiver Will Fuller was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 21st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Fuller is the fifth Notre Dame receiver to be taken in the first round of the draft and was the second receiver taken in this year’s class, behind Corey Coleman.
During his time at Notre Dame, Fuller totaled 144 receptions for 2,512 yards in three seasons with the team, catching 30 touchdowns. Fuller was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2015.
Fuller is the first Irish receiver taken in the first round since Michael Floyd was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 and is the first Irish receiver to be drafted since T.J. Jones in 2014.
Fuller joins offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley as the second former Notre Dame player taken in the first round of the draft. Stanley was taken with the sixth overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens. It is the first time since 1993 two Notre Dame offensive players have been taken in the first round.
The Texans moved up from No. 22 to No. 21 to take Fuller, sending a 2017 sixth-round pick to Washington, ensuring the former Irish receiver was headed to Houston.
Will Fuller drafted No. 21 overall by Houston Texans in 2016 NFL Draft
Former Irish receiver Will Fuller gets ready to celebrate after a touchdown pass during Notre Dame's 38-3 victory over Texas on Sept. 5 at Notre Dame Stadium.
Former Irish receiver Will Fuller gets ready to celebrate after a touchdown pass during Notre Dame's 38-3 victory over Texas on Sept. 5 at Notre Dame Stadium. Fuller was the second receiver drafted
