Former University of Hawai'i defensive end David Veikune's day was in the rough, a "horrible" round on the Mililani golf course, when he received his dream call.

The Cleveland Browns selected Veikune in the second round of yesterday's National Football League draft.

"I just smiled," said Veikune, who was on the 13th hole. "My dad got all emotional. My girlfriend (Rachelle Pollack) gave me a kiss. ... It's a great feeling. It's such a relief."

Veikune was projected to be picked anywhere between the third and fifth rounds. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. did not have Veikune in his top 100. Neither did draft expert Gil Brandt.

But Veikune was taken 52nd overall, the fifth-highest draft spot ever by a former Warrior. The Browns used the pick they received in a trade with the New York Jets.

"I knew he had first-day potential," agent Ken Zuckerman said of the draft's first two rounds, "but that doesn't always mean a player will be picked early. There are a lot of variables."

Veikune was considered to be a tweener because of his size (6 feet 2 3/8 and 260 pounds). He was viewed as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

All of the NFL teams inquired about Veikune. But Zuckerman considered the most serious to be the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and the Browns.

On April 1, the day before UH's Pro Day in Carson, Calif., new Browns head coach Eric Mangini met with Veikune in Los Angeles. Mangini is implementing a 3-4 defense in Cleveland.

The past Thursday, the Browns called, asking for all of Veikune's telephone numbers. They said they believed Veikune could fit in at both inside and outside linebacker.

With three picks in the second round and holes on defense, the Browns became a legitimate prospect.

And that was fine with Veikune, whose mother's family lives in Canton, Ohio. "They'll be nearby," Veikune said.

Veikune was told he will compete at linebacker. He was ready. In January, he began training in Carson, where he worked on his footwork and hand-eye coordination.

He already had the strength. He once benched 500 pounds. At the NFL Scouting Combine in February, he bench pressed 225 pounds 35 times, the fourth-highest total among the participants.

Veikune will participate in the Browns' mini camp Thursday.

"This is an amazing situation for David," Zuckerman said. "We're really excited about him going that high. He had a great pre-draft process. He did everything he was asked, and he did it well. He's now reaping the rewards."