NFL Draft: Chiefs land OT Fisher
Eric Fisher became only the fourth offensive lineman to be selected with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. The Central Michigan left tackle was chosen No. 1 Thursday by the Kansas City Chiefs, who held the top pick for the first time in modern draft history.
Fisher enrolled at Central Michigan as a 230-pound lineman after being snubbed by Big Ten teams and offered only one other scholarship -- from Eastern Michigan.
"It's almost like you don't have words for it," he said Wednesday in New York City. "My goal going into this was to be drafted as high as possible and you can't go higher than 1."
He quickly grew into the anchor of the Chippewas' offensive line at left tackle and solidified his status as a potential top pick by dominating at the Senior Bowl in January. His climb continued at the 2013 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where his on-field position workout and athletic tests were better than most at his position, including a 5.05 40-yard dash.
Thursday he didn't learn he'd be the first overall pick until "all the coaches, GM, owner" called moments before commissioner Roger Goodell called him to the stage at Radio City Music Hall.
"I can't even process what's happening right now, this is a dream come true," Fisher said Thursday. "I'm pumped to be a Chief.
Fisher was primarily a left tackle at CMU. He started 32 career games, including four at right tackle, leaving open the possibility that he could play the right side if the Chiefs cannot find a taker for franchise-tagged tackle Branden Albert. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, an offensive lineman at BYU, was hired for his offensive mind and history of success with the Eagles. The Chiefs were 32nd in offense and passing -- and first in turnovers -- in 2012.
The Chiefs held the No. 1 pick in 1963, before the NFL-AFL merger and joint draft began in 1967.
