For the third time in four years, a Princeton senior heard his name called in the NFL draft. Seth DeValve ’16, a wide receiver for the Tigers who is projected to be a tight end in the pros, was selected in the fourth round by the Cleveland Browns, becoming Princeton’s highest pick since 1966, when All-American kicker Charlie Gogolak ’66 was chosen in the first round by Washington.
DeValve’s combination of speed and size — 6 feet 4 inches, 245 pounds — made him a valuable weapon in the Ivy League, but injuries limited his playing time. (He missed 14 of 20 games in his last two seasons.) Despite the injury woes, he ranks 10th on Princeton’s career receptions list with 122, including 49 in the team’s 2013 Ivy championship season.
DeValve could join two former teammates in the NFL: Caraun Reid ’14, a defensive end who started 12 games for the Detroit Lions last year; and Mike Catapano ’13, a defensive end for the New York Jets.