Fabian Washington became the first former Nebraska football player chosen in the first round of the NFL draft since 1998 when he was picked by the Oakland Raiders Saturday afternoon.

Washington, who bypassed his senior year, was the fastest player tested for the draft. A standout cornerback, Washington was the 23rd player taken in the draft.

Husker linebacker Barrett Ruud, a Lincoln Southeast graduate, was taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the fourth pick of the draft (36th overall).

NU defensive back Josh Bullocks, who also chose to leave before his senior year, was taken by the New Orleans Saints with the 40th pick overall.

Oakland made two trades, one with the New York Jets and one with Seattle to move up to the 23rd spot to get Washington, a junior from Bradenton, Fla.

"It's a dream come true because I thought I'd go, but I got so nervous, I started thinking something was wrong, then I got picked," said  Washington, who was at his mother's house in Sarasota, Fla. "Oakland really wanted me, and that's good because I really want to play pro football, for me and for my family."

Washington said his decision to pass up the senior year at NU was made after a friend, 18-year-old Jonathan Simmons of Bradenton, was shot an killed at a party last December. Washington's father, Edward Clemmons, was killed in Bradenton in a similar incident when Washington was five.

"I decided I had to get my brother and my family out of that area," Washington said. "Now, they'll come with me.

"I can help now. "

Washington's former NU teammate Josh Bullocks was expected to be picked in the second or third round of the draft.