BEHIND THE SCENES
UVA IN THE NFL DRAFT
The O.co Coliseum, home to the Oakland Raiders, and the home park of the San Francisco 49ers, Levi's
Stadium in Santa Clara, are 33 miles apart. Close enough that 49ers rookie Eli Harold and new Raider
Max Valles could be roommates.
When Valles was reminded on his first NFL media teleconference that his friend and former teammate
at Virginia was now a 49er, Valles said, "That is right in the Bay? I didn't even think about that!"
Harold, a third-year defensive end, was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft with the 79th
overall pick. It marks the 32nd consecutive year a Virginia player has been drafted. The streak is tied for
the second longest in the ACC.
Ironically, Harold says the 49ers were not a team that seemed to have him on their radar.
"That is what's so surprising. I had a meeting with them at the combine, and up to that point, I never
really had any contact with any of the coaches or scouts besides the phone call and them making sure this
was my draft day number," explained Harold.
San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke was obviously interested in Harold when asked about the
UVa standout in his post-draft conversation with the media.
Eli Harold, a third‑year defensive end, was selected by San Francisco in the third round of the
NFL Draft with the 79th overall pick.
PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA
