With the 145th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Kris Abrams-Draine, a defensive back from Missouri who became the first Spanish Fort alumnus chosen in the draft.

“It’s a special day. I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” Abrams-Draine told reporters, including DNVR Sports’ Broncos beat reporter Zac Stevens, on a conference call from his home in Mobile Saturday afternoon.

After his junior season, Abrams-Draine was recognized with a second-team All-American nod and a spot on the All-SEC first-team defense. He then bolstered his NFL resume in his hometown where he served as a captain of the American Team for the 75th-annual Senior Bowl in Mobile alongside former teammate DJ James.

He now joins a defensive back room that includes former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive backs Pat Surtain II and Levi Wallace who have played three and six years in the NFL, respectively.

Abrams-Draine, who returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown as a freshman, also mentioned to Broncos reporters his capability of making an impact on special teams.

“I have return ability so I’m comfortable back there,” Abrams-Drain said on Saturday’s call.

Other Toro alumni who were waiting on their names to be called included James and Jeremiah Hixon, a wide receiver from Alabama State and New Mexico.