It has been a 5-month journey since Jared Odrick played his last game in Beaver Stadium– 5 months full of mock drafts, pro days, and 40-yard dashes, but tonight all of that confusion came to an end when the Miami Dolphins selected Odrick 28th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Various mock drafts had the former All-American landing with the New York Jets, and he recently commented how the New England Patriots would be a comfortable home. Instead, the Patriots passed on the defensive lineman, and the Dolphins snagged him before the other AFC East rival, Jets, could capitalize. He now calls Miami home.

The next challenge facing J.O. is a possible position change. The Dolphins run a 3-4 defense, which will require him to make the move from defensive tackle to defensive end.  However, it should not be a problem for the Lebanon, Pa., native. He played a very similar role in Penn State’s defense over the past few seasons.

Odrick’s first round selection marks the 2nd time in 2 years that a Larry Johnson-coached defensive lineman was picked up in the first round.  Fellow Nittany Lion Aaron Maybin was selected by the Buffalo Bills 11th overall in 2009.