COLUMBUS -- Eight quarterbacks were taken in the NFL draft before Heisman Trophywinner Troy Smith went to Baltimore with the last pick of the fifth round, including a few who could hardly stack up against him in a name recognition contest.

Troy Smith's plunge is reminiscent of the one former Heisman winner Jason White of Oklahoma took when he went undrafted in 2004. But Ravens coach Brian Billick believes the Ohio State star can overcome the one knock against him: His 6-foot stature.

"The guy has proven it at the highest caliber there is in college football," Billick said in a press conference. "He has all the tools."

Troy Smith isn't the only Buckeye standout who may struggle just to make an NFL roster. Nine running backs were selected before Antonio Pittman was taken by New Orleans with the eighth pick of the fourth round, casting doubt on whether he made the right decision in passing up his senior year.

Among those chosen ahead of him were Arizona's Chris Henry (Tennessee, second round) and Florida State's Lorenzo Booker (Miami, third). While Pittman rushed for more than 1,200 yards in back-to- back seasons, Henry gained just 581 yards last year and Booker 525.

"My whole career at Ohio State, I was always doubted," Pittman said in a teleconference with New Orleans media. "But to have that opportunity to play in the NFL, now's the time to put more work into it and come out rolling."

The Saints made a trade with Houston to move up 17 spots and grab Pittman, although they seem set at running back with Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.

"I see myself fitting in just fine," Pittman said. "Those are two great backs. I can learn a lot from those guys. Who better to teach you than Deuce and Reggie Bush?"

While Troy Smith and Pittman may have had their pride wounded over being relegated to second-day selections, receiver Roy Hall was just happy to be drafted at all.

After registering a mere 13 catches last season, he went in the fifth round to the Indianapolis, which had already selected OSU receiver Anthony Gonzalez and defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock.

"I'm ecstatic," said Hall, one of eight Buckeyes taken overall. "It's a perfect situation to go in and learn from great receivers with a great quarterback and to play for the Super Bowl champions, not to mention being coached by Tony Dungy."

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Hall was the Buckeyes' fourth receiver last season, but he vaulted up draft boards after being timed in the 40 at OSU's pro day in 4.41.

"Obviously, that 40 time means a lot," he said. "If I was a guy who ran in the high 4.4's, I might not be in this situation."

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