The Denver Broncos surprised the rest of the NFL Saturday night when they selected controversial Maurice Clarett with the final pick on the third round of the NFL draft. After two years away from football and after subpar workouts, the former Ohio State running back was not expected to be selected until late Sunday, if at all. But the Broncos, who turned sixth-round running back Terrell Davis into a Super Bowl star, took a chance on the player who led the Buckeyes to a national championship as a freshman. In February, Clarett ran slow 40-yard dash times, then walked away from subsequent drills at the Indianapolis scouting combine, turning off many teams. At a later private workout, Clarett ran a faster 4.67, still not enough to change many minds. After being suspended by Ohio State in September 2003 for his sophomore season for allegedly receiving special benefits, Clarett challenged NFL eligibility rules, ultimately losing when the league successfully appealed.
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