FanPost

Michigan State Spartans NFL Draft Streak... Will it continue?

If you paid any attention to the NFL draft, you may have seen that MSU has an impressive streak going on. When Malik McDowell was taken by the Seattle Seahawks, it marked the 77th straight year that a Spartan has been drafted. 77 STRAIGHT YEARS!!! I've seen this stat in past years and it always amazes me. Let's be honest, over the past 77, there have been more than a couple lean years. Yet, year after year, at least one Spartan realizes his dream of playing in the NFL. This streak is good for 3rd in the entire nation behind just USC and M (both at 79 years). I am sure MSU is using this nugget as a recruiting tool (if not, they should be). Given the state of the program, I thought I would share this positive stat.

However, it also got me thinking about the 2018 NFL draft. What current Spartan will keep the streak going? Obviously, we are coming off a 3-9 season and a number of off the field issues. It might be tough to get a player drafted next year, especially if the teams struggles and misses a bowl again. Here are three guys that I think can do it, but none are sure things...

1. LJ Scott: He has the talent and the body for the NFL. A lot of NFL people may be tempted by the Le'Veon Bell comparisons. However, he is entering his Junior year. I think he has intentions of leaving early, but who knows? He's also been unable to crack 185 carries in a season, or 1000 yards in a season. I assume he will get to over 200 carries and approximately 1000-1200 yards this season. To do so, he will need to stay healthy and hold on to the rock. I think Scott is our best chance to extend the streak.

2. Brian Allen: Allen will be the leader of the Spartans O Line this year and a multi year starter. Following in brother Jack's footsteps, Allen looks to be a professional as well. Jack slipped completely out of the draft due to size and ended up signing as an undrafted FA. At 6'1 and 295, he was the smallest o lineman at the combine his year. Brian is listed at 6'1 feet and 304 pounds, not huge, but a bit larger than his brother. Guard is usually one of the least drafted positions. Brian's versatility and ability to also play Center should help, but even stick he seems like a 3rd day guy if drafted.

3. Chris Frey: He may be on the fringe a bit, and needs a good season to boost his stock. He has the size/speed/smarts to play in the league. Will he get the opportunity?

In scouring the roster, I don't know of anyone else to add as a possibility here, but feel free to share others if you think they have a decent chance. You can see the details of this streak here:

This is a FanPost, written by a member of the TOC community. It does not represent the official positions of The Only Colors, Inc.--largely because we have no official positions.