Sheldon Rankins made history April 19 as he became the first player from Eastside High School to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft and the second from Covington overall. Rankins was chosen by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 12 pick in the draft, making him the first first-rounder since Dale Carter in 1992.

The former Eagle played four seasons with the Louisville Cardinals, ending the 2015 season with six sacks and 53 tackles, 13 of which were for losses. Rankins was the No. 1 defensive tackle in the draft and has been praised by ESPN and many NFL teams for his versatility, explosiveness and polite demeanor. 

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