With the 11th pick in the 2006 National Football League draft, the Denver Broncos selected Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt.
A native of Santa Claus, Ind., Cutler becomes the eighth Commodore taken in the first round of the NFL draft. Offensive lineman Will Wolford was Vanderbilt’s most recent first-round offering, when he was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 20th pick in the 1986 draft.
Cutler, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Saturday at a Nashville gathering, is the eighth Commodore drafted since since 2001.
With their signal caller on his way to Denver, Commodore fans now turn their attention to a number of other draft day hopefuls, including receiver Erik Davis, tight end Dustin Dunning and linebacker Moses Osemwegie.
A four-year starter at quarterback, Cutler set numerous Commodore career marks, including total offense (9,953 yards), TD passes (59), passing yardage (8,697), pass completions (710), pass attempts (1,242), combined TDs (76), consecutive starts by quarterback (40), consecutive passes without interception (167) and most career plays (1,695).
Cutler capped his senior season in remarkable fashion, becoming the first Commodore quarterback ever to throw for more than 300 yards in four consecutive games on his way to being named Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Cutler’s final collegiate pass was a game-winning touchdown at SEC rival Tennessee. He established a new Commodore single-season record by amassing 3,288 yards of total offense.
Media contact: Larry Leathers, (615) 322-4121
larry.leathers@vanderbilt.edu