Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time
6. Tony Mandarich
Although Tony Mandarich is considered one of the biggest busts in NFL history after being drafted second overall. He was thought to be one of the biggest talents coming out Michigan State since the 1990s and he was even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
At one point in time, Mandarich was considered the best offensive line prospect ever and then he became the biggest draft bust in recent memory. It’s unfortunate that his disappointing professional career overshadows his successful college tenure.
Mandarich was named the Big Ten lineman of the year in 1988 and was also an All-American the same season, leading to his No. 2 overall pick. Sports Illustrated actually nicknamed Mandarich “The Incredible Hulk” leading up to the 1989 NFL Draft because of his incredible strength and athleticism for his size. In fact, he weighed about 330 pounds, ran a 4.65 40-yard dash and benched 225 an unbelievable 39 times.
The big offensive tackle helped lead the Spartans to the 1988 Rose Bowl victory in which Michigan State took down USC for their first win in the game in about 31 years.
It’s too bad he’s the biggest draft bust, outside of maybe Charles Rogers, in school history because he looked to be one of the greatest linemen to ever come out of East Lansing.
Next: 5. Bubba Smith