The Michigan State football program had at least one player selected in 80 straight NFL drafts, until that incredible streak ended in 2021.
This was the first year, since records have been kept (going back to 2000), in which Michigan State had zero invites to the NFL Scouting Combine. Northwestern joined them in this dubious distinction, and this is not something that happens very often for high-major programs.
Entering Saturday, the NFL Draft’s final day, it looked like another Spartans shutout in the draft was about to ensue. Linebacker Cal Halladay (who actually decided to skip MSU’s Pro Day and not pursue a NFL career) and defensive lineman Khris Bogle (who got a minicamp invite from the New York Giants) were State’s highest rated prospects on most draft boards, but both typically had an UDFA grades.
And neither one of them selected, but MSU did represent in this draft- OT Luke Newman went to the Chicago Bears, with the 195th overall pick, in the sixth round.
Newman, a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native, got to play his final season of college ball close to home after he enjoyed two FCS All-American seasons at Holy Cross. In Chicago, he’ll be coached by Ben Johnson, who took the job after serving as Offensive Coordinator for Newman’s hometown Detroit Lions.
Newman fills a position of need for the Bears, who also selected an OT in the second round, Ozzy Trapilo, out of Boston College. Newman was one of four Big Ten players (three of which were on offense) drafted by the Bears this past weekend, as the Monsters of the Midway placed most of their focus on that side of the ball.
Chicago added pieces to put in place around franchise quarterback Caleb Williams, in the hopes that he can take the next step forward, and with that, lead the team back to the postseason. It’s going to be a big challenge, as the quarterback position in Chicago has a long history of futility.
However, this was a good haul for the Bears; the Luther Burden pick was especially astute while Shemar Turner at #62 was a slam dunk as well. Newman is a sneaky good pick that most draftniks did not see coming. In fact, most draft analysts didn’t even really have Newman on their boards.
However, the upper Midwest product is walking into a good situation on the shores of Lake Michigan. He’ll be working under a great offensive mind, and within a unit that is set to develop into something special.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Newman is a sneaky good pick that most draftniks did not see coming
The Michigan State football program had at least one player selected in 80 straight NFL drafts, until that incredible streak ended in 2021.
This was the first year, since records have been kept (going back to 2000), in which Michigan State had zero invites to the NFL Scouting Combine. Northwestern joined them in this dubious distinction, and this is not something that happens very often for high-major programs.
Entering Saturday, the NFL Draft’s final day, it looked like another Spartans shutout in the draft was about to ensue. Linebacker Cal Halladay (who actually decided to skip MSU’s Pro Day and not pursue a NFL career) and defensive lineman Khris Bogle (who got a minicamp invite from the New York Giants) were State’s highest rated prospects on most draft boards, but both typically had an UDFA grades.
And neither one of them selected, but MSU did represent in this draft- OT Luke Newman went to the Chicago Bears, with the 195th overall pick, in the sixth round.
Newman, a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native, got to play his final season of college ball close to home after he enjoyed two FCS All-American seasons at Holy Cross. In Chicago, he’ll be coached by Ben Johnson, who took the job after serving as Offensive Coordinator for Newman’s hometown Detroit Lions.
Newman fills a position of need for the Bears, who also selected an OT in the second round, Ozzy Trapilo, out of Boston College. Newman was one of four Big Ten players (three of which were on offense) drafted by the Bears this past weekend, as the Monsters of the Midway placed most of their focus on that side of the ball.
Chicago added pieces to put in place around franchise quarterback Caleb Williams, in the hopes that he can take the next step forward, and with that, lead the team back to the postseason. It’s going to be a big challenge, as the quarterback position in Chicago has a long history of futility.
However, this was a good haul for the Bears; the Luther Burden pick was especially astute while Shemar Turner at #62 was a slam dunk as well. Newman is a sneaky good pick that most draftniks did not see coming. In fact, most draft analysts didn’t even really have Newman on their boards.
However, the upper Midwest product is walking into a good situation on the shores of Lake Michigan. He’ll be working under a great offensive mind, and within a unit that is set to develop into something special.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Newman is a sneaky good pick that most draftniks did not see coming
