Friday night, another Cavalier was drafted to the NFL, joining an exclusive group including linebacker Micah Kiser and defensive end Chris Long.
As the 63rd overall pick, former Virginia strong safety Juan Thornhill was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Thornhill is the highest-picked Virginia football player since Ras-I Dowling was chosen 33rd overall by the New England Patriots in 2011.
After earning consistent playing time during his first three years in Charlottesville, Thornhill truly emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the country last season.
In 2018, Thornhill recorded six interceptions and 98 total tackles. The Virginia native was a core member of one of the best secondaries in the country last season, allowing just 183 passing yards per game.
In a deep defensive back class, Thornhill stands out for his physical tools, cover talent and versatility. Thornhill should be able to immediately contribute to Kansas City’s defense and offer the Chiefs an impact player who can play at multiple positions across the secondary.