Pro development is of the upmost importance for Michigan State and all of the college football world. Until the 2021 NFL Draft, the Spartans ere in elite company, having at least one player drafted in every draft during the modern era.
While the unfortunate nature of the streak coming to an end was a reality, it is worth appreciating the fact that the Spartans have put so many different players into the NFL.
Getting drafted is a feat, and while some will laugh at whether or not Day 3 selections in the NFL Draft matter, there is a successful draft pick at all 262 selections that the modern NFL Draft has seen.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak compiled a ranking of these draft picks, and naming who he believed the best selection was at every pick in the modern draft history. Two Spartans made the cut.
Kirk Cousins checked in at the No. 102, where he was selected in the 2012 draft by the Washington Commanders organization. The second Spartan came in at No. 123, with Domata Peko’s 2006 selection by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Also of note, while it does not really count, former Spartan (one season before transferring) Nick Foles was featured on the list from his selection at No. 88 in the 2012 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Two former Michigan State football stars featured on ESPN’s all-time NFL draft pick list
Reporting by Cory Linsner, Spartans Wire / Spartans Wire
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