The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted former Duke standout Chris Combs Sunday in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Combs, a defensive lineman, was the seventh pick of the round and the 173rd player selected overall.
"I'm just thrilled with the opportunity, and I'm going to try to make the best of it and have as much fun as I can," Combs said.
Combs is the Blue Devils' all-time leader in tackles for loss. The 6-foot-4 tackle played in 44 games in four years, starting 39.
Some experts projected Combs as a middle-round selection, but the Roanoke, Va., native had to wait until day two of the draft to hear his name called.
"It's such a crapshoot, you can never tell what is going to happen," Combs said. "I watched it all [on Saturday], more out of interest than waiting to hear my name called.
"I had heard so much different stuff [going in] that I didn't know what to think. But I didn't have any huge expectations. I just wanted to get drafted."
About a dozen friends and family members were on hand in Atlanta, where Combs has been training and staying with his aunt and uncle since graduating in December.
Combs said he felt good about going to Pittsburgh, a franchise with a solid foundation and a steep defensive tradition.
"Actually I had a preference to go there, and I knew they were interested in me," Combs said. "They play a 3-4 defense, and they are interested in me playing up the middle at defensive tackle or even moving outside to play some end.
"I really don't know much about their defense, but I'm looking forward to learning at training camp."
Combs reports for his first minicamp with the team Wednesday. No other Blue Devils were selected in this weekend's draft, which took place in New York City.
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