NFL Draft 2014: Three Pac-12 players selected in first round

The NFL Draft finally got underway Thursday night, and the main story of course was Johnny Manziel sliding down the board until the Cleveland Browns took him with the 22nd overall pick.

Two Pac-12 guys went higher than that, and the local Cardinals picked up the third P12 guy of the first round.  Here's a quick roundup:

Anthony Barr (UCLA Bruins): 9th overall to the Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings traded into the spot through a couple of trades, and landed what some people think is the best linebacker available this year.  I, for one, will always remember Barr as the overly-hyped guy who didn't even put up a single defensive stat against Arizona during Myles Jack's coming out party in Tucson in 2013.  But maybe that's just me.

Brandin Cooks (Oregon State Beavers): 20th overall to the New Orleans Saints

The Cardinals were also involved in this pick, as they traded out of it to pick up an extra third-round pick from the Saints.  Cooks is explosive, and who knows what kind of damage he'll be able to do with Drew Brees throwing him the ball.  A lot of guys are very high on the pick for the Saints.

#NEOpick is in with Brandin Cooks. Outstanding selection. Gives them a true field stretcher.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) May 9, 2014

Brandin Cooks is the replacement for Darren Sproles. With Kenny Stills, gives the Saints more youth/speed on a WR crew that was slipping.

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 9, 2014

And now, Brandin Cooks will catch 247 balls a year in the New Orleans offense.

— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) May 9, 2014

Brandin Cooks #NOPick Led nation with 1,730 receiving yards. 4.33 40 at combine. Teams mentioned he's smart and off the charts character

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) May 9, 2014

Brandin Cooks --> remember come fantasy draft time. #saints

— Chris Sprow (@SprowESPN) May 9, 2014

Brandin Cooks indoors with Drew Brees? Nice.

— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) May 9, 2014

Deone Bucannon (Washington State Cougars): 27th overall to Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals' secondary was already one of their strengths, so not sure how much playing time Bucannon will get right away.  But it's always fun when there are more Pac-12 players in an Arizona locker room.  RichRod was extremely high on Bucannon before Arizona took on the Cougs, saying "He's just fantastic."

Cardinals just took the bigger hitter in the draft. Deone Bucannon will be a staple on Sunday highlight shows. He and Mathieu will be fun

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) May 9, 2014

NFL Network Mike Mayock on Deone Bucannon "He's an impact safety with size. He's bigger and faster than Ha Ha Clinton-Dix or Calvin Pryor."

— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) May 9, 2014

#AZCardinals coach Bruce Arians on SS Deone Bucannon: "We'll give him opportunities to knock the crap out of people."

— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) May 9, 2014

LOL Bruce Arians