April 23, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Defensive tackle Luis Castillo (Garfield, N.J./Garfield) became the first of two Northwestern players to be drafted by the National Football League Saturday, being chosen in the first round by the San Diego Chargers. Offensive tackle Trai Essex (Ft. Wayne, Ind./Paul Harding) was the second, going in the third round to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Castillo, a 2005 first-team Academic All-American and a 2005 second-team All-Big Ten selection, was drafted 28th overall by the Chargers in Saturday's first round of the NFL Draft. Essex was the 93rd overall pick in the draft.
Castillo became Northwestern's second defensive player since 2002 to be drafted in the first round. Napoleon Harris, now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, was drafted 23rd by the Oakland Raiders that year.
Castillo, a first-team All-America choice by Pro Football Weekly, ranked fourth on the team with 75 tackles in 2004. He led the team with 8.5 TFL's. Castillo, who played all but two plays with an injured left elbow in 2004, started 34 career games at Northwestern, including the last 31 in succession.
"I'm very proud of Luis and the progress he made as a player at Northwestern," said NU coach Randy Walker. "He is an outstanding citizen, a tremendous student and a hard-nosed football player. San Diego has added a great individual to its franchise.
"I'm also excited for Trai. He is extremely athletic and has a lot of potential."
Castillo became the eighth player in school history to be drafted in the NFL's first round.
Essex, who came to Northwestern as a tight end before being moved to left tackle, started the final 37 games of his career. He played a key role in allowing just 12 sacks in 12 games last year.
Essex helped Northwestern rank among the nation's leaders in total offense, averaging 409.5 yards per game (29th nationally).
Castillo and Essex are the 163rd and 164th players in NU history to be drafted.