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NDSU's Steve Nelson was a standout for New England (NDSU Athletics)
NORTH DAKOTA STATE
| RK | POS | PLAYER | SPAN | NFL TEAMS | CAREER STATS |
| 1 | LB | Steve Nelson | 1974-87 | New England | 17 INTs, 16 fumb. Rec |
| 2 | DE | Phil Hansen | 1991-01 | Buffalo | 61.5 sacks |
| 3 | DB | Tyrone Braxton | 1987-99 | Denver, Miami | 36 INTs, 4 TDs |
| 4 | DB | Craig Dahl | 2007-15 | NYG, San Fran, STL | 406 tackles |
| 5 | QB | Carson Wentz | 2016-16 | Philadelphia | 3,215 pass yds (*) |
(*) – Hasn't completed his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but looks as if he'll have a nice career – so we're projecting here.
JUST MISSED
LB Joe Mays (2008-2015), LB Ramon Humbler (2009-2016).
THE SKINNY
The Bison have more former players who have been in the NFL (33) than the other three semifinalists, and who knows — are we currently watching the future 'best' Bison/NFL player in Carson Wentz? He is the highest NFL draft pick in FCS history and started at quarterback from day one this fall for the Philadelphia Eagles. If he progresses, he could top this list in a few short years. But for now, former Bison linebacker Steve Nelson, DE Phil Hansen and DB Tyrone Braxton receive the top three spots for all lasting 11 years or better in the league. All three were drafted. Nelson was a Pro Bowler when he helped lead New England to the Super Bowl following the 1985 season, while Hansen was on three Super Bowl teams with the Buffalo Bills. Tyrone Braxton has two Super Bowl rings from his days in Denver.
