Hokies safety Chamarri Conner was the first Virginia Tech player to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday, selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round with pick No. 119 overall.
The 6-foot, 202-pound safety is the latest in Tech’s long history of defensive backs going in the draft, the 30th taken since 1997.
The Jacksonville product wore many hats for the Hokies, playing whip linebacker early in his career, then transitioning to a traditional safety spot and nickelback during Brent Pry’s only season in Blacksburg.
A four-year starter, he had 314 career tackles with 21 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and four interceptions. He led the Hokies in tackles in 2020 and was in the top four in tackles on the team every year he started, second last season with 67 tackles.
“You’ve seen him lined up at multiple positions during his career with the Hokies,” draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said during ESPN’s telecast. “Capable of making his presence felt against the run, underneath coverage and on special teams. Down the field, he can struggle at times. …
“I think he’s kind of a backup type, special-teamer. He’s a physical player who brings a lot of versatility.”
After not having a player selected in the 2019 draft, ending a 25-year streak, the Hokies have had at least one selection in the last four drafts.