Since the FCS/Division 1-AA subdivision began in 1978, no program has had more NFL Draft picks than Jackson State. There have been 42 JSU players selected dating back to the 1979 draft. And there were many more pre-FCS.
The Tigers developed an impressive pipeline to the NFL. We’re talking multiple draft picks just about every year in the 80s and 90s.
But then that pipeline dried up.
After having four players picked in the 2000 draft, the Tigers didn’t have another selection until 2008. Then JSU went more than a decade without another NFL Draft pick. Linebacker James Houston ended the drought last year, getting selected in the sixth round by Detroit.
JSU now looks to get a new streak going with consecutive picks.
Linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. is getting plenty of buzz as a draftable player. He is a seventh-round projection in Dane Brugler’s NFL Draft 2023 “The Beast” Guide. Miller is also a seventh-round pick in Chad Reuter’s seven-round mock draft.
Houston and Miller share similar rises into being draft prospects. Houston (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) began his career in the SEC at Florida before transferring to JSU and becoming a star defensive player. Miller (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) also started his college career in the SEC at Missouri. He transferred to JSU and was a force for the Tigers on defense.
Miller, a four-star high school recruit who was ranked as the No. 13 OLB prospect in the nation, transferred to JSU in the spring 2021 season, where he totaled 51 tackles and 4.5 TFLs. In the 2021 fall, he led the SWAC with 109 tackles along with 11.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and three passes defended. Last season, Miller racked up 117 tackles, 12 TFLs, two sacks, five forced fumbles, four quarterback hurries, and six pass breakups.
Houston made an instant impact for the Lions as a rookie, tallying eight sacks in seven games played. Miller’s play and versatility also should translate to NFL success.
“Miller brings a lot to the table as a prospect,” says a scouting report from The Draft Network. “A fluid and smooth athlete who plays behind his pads, Miller has no issue punishing opposing ball carriers when he has the chance. In the box, he’s able to make dynamic tackles and always works to find an angle to get involved in stopping the run. He plays low and downhill as a blitzer and poses lots of issues for offenses as a sideline-to-sideline runner. Despite being used a lot in pressures, I felt that Miller was serviceable as a coverage linebacker, primarily in the hook zone area of the field, but also has the speed to stick with backs on wheels and delayed routes.”
Former JSU head coach Deion Sanders pushed for more Jackson State and HBCU prospects to get recognized and drafted. JSU now eyes consecutive draft picks after 13 years of not having one. And Miller may not be the only one in 2023. JSU cornerback Isaiah Bolden had a standout pro day, and his interest from NFL teams has increased. ESPN’s Matt Miller has Bolden going in the seventh round in his mock draft.
It looks promising that JSU will add to its FCS-high NFL Draft picks total, perhaps re-starting an annual pipeline with the impressive talent the Tigers continue to bring in.
