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NFL DRAFT: The Top 25 All-Time Picks from the SWAC

HERO Sports by HERO Sports
March 28, 2017
NFL DRAFT: The Top 25 All-Time Picks from the SWAC

Players from current FCS schools have been drafted into the NFL since the first time the league held one — 1936. While great players like Grambling​ product Tank Younger were in the NFL a bit earlier, it wasn't until 1952 that a player was actually drafted from a present-day SWAC program. Alcorn State's Jack Spinks was selected 126th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers and went on to a five-year career.SWAC-logo

Since then, hundreds more SWAC products have been drafted. College football has changed a ton in the 81 years since the first draft — and the inception of FCS/I-AA football in 1978. But the message remains the same — current FCS programs have been producing NFL-level talent decades.

RELATED: Who have been the highest drafted players from present-day MEAC schools?
RELATED: How did the FCS rookie free agent class do in 2016? Take a look.
RELATED: How did the 20 NFL Draft picks out of the FCS ranks do as rookies last year?

Today, we take a look at the SWAC and its current programs — and the all-time Top 25 NFL picks taken from these schools. Could players like Javancy Jones (Jackson State) and Chad Williams (Grambling​) add to the list below when the 2017 comes along? Time will tell. April 27 is less than one month away.

NOTE: These are in order based on what spot they were picked. AFL Draft picks from the 1960s are included, and noted … since this league eventually merged with the NFL. Some prospects were drafted by both leagues.

PICK ROUND YR PLAYER SCHOOL YRS DRAFTED BY? COMMENT
3 1st 1995 Steve McNair, QB ALCORN STATE 13 Oilers 3-Time Pro Bowler
4 1st 1975 Walter Payton, RB JACKSON STATE 13 Bears NFL Hall of Famer
5 1st 1971 Richard Harris, DL GRAMBLING​ 7 Eagles 6-year NFL starter
6 1st 1975 Robert Brazile, LB JACKSON STATE 10 Oilers 7-time Pro Bowler
8 1st 1971 Frank Lewis, WR GRAMBLING 13 Steelers Nearly 7,000 career yds
8 1st 1975 Gary Johnson, DL GRAMBLING 11 Chargers Chargers Hall of Famer
9 1st 1972 Jerome Barkum, TE JACKSON STATE 12 Jets 1 Pro Bowl; 4,000+ yds
10 1st 1970 Ken Burrough, WR TEXAS SOUTHERN 12 Saints 2-Time Pro Bowler
10 1st 1971 Isiah Robertson, LB SOUTHERN 12 Rams 6-Time Pro Bowler
10 1st 1976 James Hunter, DB GRAMBLING 7 Lions 27 career INTs

​[divider]

Here are Nos. 11 through 25.

PICK ROUND YEAR PLAYER SCHOOL YRS PICKED BY?
11 1st 1994 John Thierry, DL ALCORN STATE 9 Bears
16 1st 1985 Jerry Rice, WR MISSISSIPPI VALLEY 20 49ers
17 1st 1978 Doug Williams, QB GRAMBLING 9 Bucs
18 1st 1974 Mike Holmes, DB TEXAS SOUTHERN 3 49ers
19 1st 1993 Lester Holmes, OL JACKSON STATE 8 Eagles
20 3rd 1965 Verlon Biggs, DL JACKSON STATE 10 Jets
21 1st 2000 Sylvester Morris, WR JACKSON STATE 1 Chiefs
23 1st 1980 Roynell Young, DB ALCORN STATE 9 Eagles
23 1st 2000 Rashard Anderson, DB JACKSON STATE 2 Panthers
24 2nd 1965 Al Dotson, DL GRAMBLING 5 Packers
26 1st 1974 Don Reese, DL JACKSON STATE 7 Dolphins
27 2nd 1971 Julius Adams, DL TEXAS SOUTHERN 16 Patriots
27 2nd 1990 Darion Conner, LB JACKSON STATE 8 Falcons
28 2nd 1969 Ernie Calloway, DL TEXAS SOUTHERN 4 Eagles
28 2nd 1986 Jackie Walker, LB JACKSON STATE 4 Bucs
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