Curry and his family will not have to worry anymore about the utility company shutting off the electricity in Fayetteville, N.C. Curry, a 6-foot-1¾, 254-pounder, is considered the surest thing in the NFL draft.

He can play any of the linebacker positions, though he played mostly on the strong side of a 4-3 front at Wake Forest where he made 204 tackles in the last two seasons, had 9 1/2 career sacks and six interceptions — returning three of his four picks in 2007 for touchdowns.

"I’ve had him No. 1 since October on the senior board," said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. "He’s not going to be a bust. He’s going to give you everything he has. He has great character, he has versatility, he can cover, he can rush the passer."

Curry, who already has his degree in sociology, has heard the talk of him being the "safe" pick.

"A safe pick means I can come in instantly and make an impact on anybody’s defense," he said, "and my versatility as a linebacker to be able to play in the 3-4, inside, or outside, or 4-3, inside or outside, you just can’t go wrong."