Former Fresno State defensive end and reigning Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Chris Carter had to wait nearly five full rounds to see his name announced in the 2011 NFL Draft, but he was selected by the league’s top defensive unit.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who allowed an NFL-low 1,004 rushing yards last season, selected Carter with the 162nd overall pick. Carter figures to make the jump from defensive end to outside linebacker in the Steelers’ 3-4 defensive scheme.

Carter was the first player selected out of Fresno State in this year’s draft. He led the WAC in sacks with 11 last season.

In the seventh and final round of the draft, the Atlanta Falcons took Andrew Jackson, a two-time All-WAC guard. He was the 210th overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft.