Kansas junior cornerback Aqib Talib of Richardson Berkner became the first Jayhawk drafted in the first round Saturday since defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield was chosen 26th in 1993 by the San Francisco 49ers.

Talib, most valuable player in Kansas' FedEx Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech in January, was taken No. 20 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Talib had 13 career interceptions in three seasons at Kansas and led the country in pass breakups (28) as a sophomore in 2006.

"Aqib is someone who loves football," said Kansas coach Mark Mangino. "He's got a lot of nervous energy, so he talks a lot. But he cares about his teammates and cares a lot about winning."

Houston receiver Donnie Avery (5-11, 192) was next among players with Texas ties selected in Saturday's NFL draft, taken No. 33 by the St. Louis Rams. Avery, who caught 91 passes for 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns last season, was the first receiver selected.

Oklahoma junior linebacker Curtis Lofton (6-0, 238) went in the second round, No. 37, to the Atlanta Falcons. Lofton was the Big 12 defensive player of the year in 2007, when he had 157 tackles, including 10.5 for losses.

"Curtis has outstanding instincts and an explosiveness that allows him to close quickly," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "He was a catalyst for our defense and a part of the first back-to-back championships in Big 12 history."

Oklahoma receiver Malcolm Kelly (6-3, 224), who seemed to slip in the draft after running a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day and then blaming OU for ruining his workout, went in the second round, No. 51, to the Washington Redskins.

"Malcolm is very explosive off the line of scrimmage, and with his height, we hope he can be a real weapon in the red zone and score some touchdowns," Washington head coach Jim Zorn told ESPN.

Texas receiver Limas Sweed (6-4, 212) went two picks later at No. 53 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sweed, an All-Big 12 performer in 2006, played only six games in 2007 because of a left wrist sprain that required surgery.

"This guy has a heck of a resume," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "It seems like he's been at Texas six or eight years. Had he been injury-free, we probably wouldn't have gotten him. So we're happy he's a Pittsburgh Steeler."

Added Sweed, "If you could have seen me work out, you could never tell that I had the wrist surgery. To say that was a factor or not, I don't know. I got drafted and I have an opportunity to play. They have a great quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, so I'm excited."

The Cowboys selected Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett (6-6, 259) in the second round, No. 61, one spot ahead of Colorado cornerback Terrence Wheatley (5-9, 178) of Plano East, who went to New England.