Indiana has had a lot of success sending players into the NFL over the past decade, registering 22 NFL Draft picks in the past 10 drafts. But it's been over a decade since their last first-round draft pick. Dan Feeney could change that.
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The Hoosiers guard could potentially be the first Indiana player to be drafted in the first round since wide receiver Thomas Lewis was drafted 24th overall by the New York Giants in 1994.
Indiana has had numerous second-round picks over the past few years, but hasn't heard an alum's name in the first round in 12 years.
Last year, offensive tackle Jason Spriggs was the 48th overall selection by the Green Bay Packers, the 17th pick in the second round. In 2014, wide receiver Cody Latimer was the 56th overall selection, the 24th pick in the second round. And in 2010, Rodger Saffold was just one pick away from being a first rounder — he went No. 33 overall to the Rams, the first selection of the second round.
Here's a look at the highest drafted Indiana players since their last first rounder:
| Year | Round | Pick in round | Overall pick | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 17 | 48 | Jason Spriggs | Packers | OT |
| 2014 | 2 | 24 | 56 | Cody Latimer | Broncos | WR |
| 2010 | 2 | 1 | 33 | Rodger Saffold | Rams | T |
| 2008 | 2 | 9 | 40 | Tracy Porter | Saints | DB |
| 2008 | 2 | 10 | 41 | James Hardy | Bills | WR |
| 2002 | 2 | 30 | 62 | Antwaan Randle El | Steelers | WR |
| 1997 | 2 | 2 | 32 | Nathan Davis | Falcons | DT |
| 1995 | 2 | 21 | 53 | Andrew Greene | Dolphins | G |
Dan Feeney has a decent chance at cracking the first round.
He's considered the second-best guard in the draft by most accounts, second only to Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp.
Couple his position ranking with a few teams who could be looking for offensive line help late in the draft (namely Miami, the New York Giants, Seattle and Atlanta, among others) and there's the possibility Feeney could hear his name in the first round.
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Offensive guards aren't as highly valued as offensive tackles, but this is a particularly weak year for offensive linemen. There are only two or three tackles and two or three guards who are graded out as potential first-round picks.
If teams decide to go the offensive line route early in the draft it could open the door for Feeney to be Indiana's first opening day pick since 1994.
