Duane Brown knew last year that his switch from right to left offensive tackle for his senior season at Virginia Tech could enhance his NFL stock.

At the time, however, little did the Richmond native know it would make him a rich young man.

Completing what was arguably the biggest, latest surge up the board of any college player, Brown was selected by the Houston Texans in Saturday's first round of the NFL Draft.

"I'm shocked, man!" said Brown, who was chosen as the 26th overall pick in the draft. "There was a lot of talk about me possibly going in the first round, but after [six] all the other offensive tackles had been taken, I was thinking maybe mid-second.

"Once I got the call, everyone was crying and jumping and shouting and a lot of energy," added Brown, referring to the scene among some 25 family members and close friends assembled at his parent's house in Richmond to watch the draft on television.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Brown was the first of three Tech players chosen in Saturday's first two rounds. Cornerback Brandon Flowers, who left Tech a year early to enter the draft, was the fifth player chosen in the second round (36th overall) by Kansas City. A few minutes later, wide receiver-return specialist Eddie Royal was the 11th player taken in the second round (42nd overall) by Denver.

At least five more Tech players figure to hear their names called in today's final five rounds. That group includes outside linebacker Xavier Adibi, defensive end Chris Ellis, defensive tackle Carlton Powell, wide receiver Josh Morgan and inside linebacker Vince Hall. Defensive tackle Barry Booker and safety D.J. Parker also have a shot to be drafted today.

Brown, who began his Tech career as a tight end, was moved to tackle two weeks before the Hokies opened the season in 2005. Ironically, the first defensive end he faced in his first college game at his new position was Mario Williams, the ex-North Carolina State star whom that the Texans took with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft.

"Maybe so ... hey, I did hold him to one sack that game," said Brown, laughing, when asked if thought Williams might have given him a recommendation to Houston's coaching staff.

Brown, whose stock began to rise in a hurry following his strong play in the East-West Shrine Game and strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, is only the second Tech O-lineman to be chosen in the first round. Eugene Chung was the 13th overall pick of the New England Patriots in 1992.

"I hadn't had much contact with Houston during the process, but I guess they liked me a lot and they kept a secret," said Brown, a second-team All-ACC choice the past two seasons. "They said they have really struggled on their left side and thought I was the best guy for the job."

Flowers, considered by many scouts as the top corner on the board until he ran a slow 4.58 40 at the combine, was the sixth defensive back selected. While it cost him some guaranteed bonus money, the Florida native said he's fine with KC.

"Watching the first round was a little tough as names starting to disappear," Flowers said. "But I ended up at the right place. I've got a chance to start and playing opposite my cousin, Patrick Surtain."

Royal was the fifth wide receiver selected Saturday. Royal's ability to fill two needs -- he's the ACC's all-time leader in punt return yardage -- made him attractive to Denver, where the Broncos envision him an ideal slot receiver.

Video: Hokie football 2007