2021 NFL Draft: Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown signing with Pittsburgh Steelers as undrafted free agent

The NFL Draft streak for the Michigan State Spartans football program is officially over. The 80-year-streak (which was third-longest in the country) ends as zero Spartans heard their name called during the 2021 NFL Draft. The good news is cornerback Shakur Brown was immediately picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The fact that Brown was not selected was pretty shocking. He was projected by many analysts as a fourth or fifth-round pick, and nearly 40 cornerbacks were selected in this year’s draft. Perhaps Brown’s poor testing numbers at his pro day, and a lack of height, hurt his draft stock.

After an impressive junior season in which Brown had five interceptions in just seven games (leading the nation in interceptions per game at 0.71), on his way to All-American honors, as well as first-team All-Big Ten recognition, Brown decided to declare for the NFL Draft in December.

Overall, in 26 career games, including 12 starts, Brown tallied 54 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, 16 passes defended and one defensive touchdown.

Following Michigan State’s pro day on March 24, Brown was asked about why he chose to declare early for the NFL Draft:

“I felt like I was physically, mentally and emotionally ready (for the NFL),” Brown said about his decision to pursue the NFL. “I went out there (at the pro day) and gave it all I got. Put my best foot forward,” he lated added.

Brown joins a cornerbacks room in Pittsburgh that includes his former Michigan State teammate Justin Layne, Joe Haden and Cameron Sutton, among others. The Steelers also drafted Oklahoma cornerback Tre Norwood in the seventh round.

We wish you the best of luck in the NFL, Shakur!

Brown’s college highlights: