By Matt Miller
The celebration came a day early.
Deone Bucannon expected a call from an NFL team today when the second and third rounds were held. Instead, it came Thursday. The former Vanden High School and Washington State University star was selected in the first round of the draft, pick No. 27 overall, to the Arizona Cardinals.
“What an amazing event. This is a dream come true,” Bucannon said from his mom Sonji’s Vacaville home. “I didn’t expect it yet. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go out, play hard and show the coaches what I can do.”
Bucannon was home with his family and friends, unlike many other first round selections who were at Radio City Music Hall in New York, taking the stage and shaking the hand of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Agent Cameron Foster knew Bucannon’s stock was on the rise, but it’s hard to predict how drafts turn out.