RICHMOND, Va. (Map, News) - Wide receiver Arman Shields said he isn't dwelling on what might have been had he not missed most of the Richmond Spiders' season with a knee injury.

He's just thankful he healed in time to perform well at the NFL combine and be chosen by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round of the NFL draft Sunday.

"I'm still on cloud nine right now," Shields said in a telephone interview. "I'm so happy to be an Oakland Raider - that black and silver."

Shields was one of several players from Virginia colleges chosen on the second day of the draft. Among them was his Spiders teammate, running back Tim Hightower, who was chosen in the fifth round by the Arizona Cardinals.

It was a big day for Virginia Tech. Defensive end Chris Ellis went in the third round to Buffalo, followed by fellow Hokies Xavier Adibi in the fourth round to Houston, defensive tackle Carlton Powell in the fifth round to Denver, wide receiver Josh Morgan in the sixth round to San Francisco, and wide receiver Justin Harper to Baltimore in the seventh round.

Hampton defensive end Kendall Langford was taken by Miami in the third round with the 66th overall pick, and Virginia tight end Tom Santi was chosen by Indianapolis in the sixth round.

Shields finished his Spiders career with 160 catches for 1,930 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had 12 catches in the season opener against Vanderbilt last season before injuring his knee, but he impressed NFL talent evaluators by running the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the combine.

"I just roll with the punches," said Shields, the 125th overall selection. "I'm blessed to be in this situation. These are the cards I was dealt and I'm playing them."

Hightower said he was unsure what to expect entering the draft.

"All I wanted was an opportunity," said Hightower. "It's up to me what happens next. I just need to improve and show my talents."

Virginia Tech's Ellis had been projected by some as an outside linebacker if he was chosen by a team that plays a three-man front. But the Bills employ a 4-3 scheme, which should allow Ellis to remain a defensive end.

"I can just let it hang now," Ellis said. "they need some pass rushers, so hopefully I can come in and be an early addition to that."