Big Ten Players Prepare for 2009 NFL Draft

Big Ten one of only two conferences to average more than 35 picks over last six years

Illinois defensive back Vontae Davis will look to hear his named called during the 2009 NFL Draft.

Illinois defensive back Vontae Davis will look to hear his named called during the 2009 NFL Draft.

April 22, 2009

With the 2009 National Football League (NFL) Draft set for April 25-26 in New York, the Big Ten’s top performers will look to continue the conference’s successful run during the annual selection process.

                                          

Over the last six years, an average of 35.2 Big Ten student-athletes has been chosen in the NFL Draft on an annual basis, including an average of 5.7 first-round selections per year. The Big Ten and the SEC are the only two conferences to boast an average of at least 35 players and 5.7 first-rounders since 2003. At least 40 Big Ten players have been drafted on two occasions, including a high of 44 selections in 2004, a total that ranks second over the last six drafts to the ACC’s 51 players chosen in 2006.

                                             


 

 

Among Big Ten teams, Ohio State ranks first nationally with 42 players chosen by NFL teams over the past six years, followed by Southern California (40), Miami (Fla.) (39) and Florida State (36). Fourteen Buckeyes were drafted in 2004, the highest single-season total for any school over the six-year span.

 

The Big Ten and SEC top all conferences with six different institutions boasting at least 21 NFL selections over the last six years, followed by the ACC (3), Big 12 (3) and Pac-10 (2). Other Big Ten programs to produce 21 or more NFL draft picks since 2003 include Michigan (29), Wisconsin (24), Iowa (23), Penn State (23) and Purdue (21). In addition, seven of the Big Ten’s 11 schools have featured at least one NFL Draft selection in each of the last six years, a total tied for the national lead with the ACC and Pac-10.

 

Last year, Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long became the 13th Big Ten student-athlete to be selected first overall while Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston was chosen sixth. Overall, 28 players were selected in 2008, including four first-round draftees from four different institutions. Ten conference schools featured at least one selection during the seven rounds.

 

The Big Ten will hold the 2009 Football Media Days and 38th annual Kickoff Luncheon on Monday and Tuesday, July 27-28, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, featuring all 11 head coaches and some of the conference’s top returning players. The 114th season of Big Ten football kicks off beginning with every team in action on Sept. 3 or 5.