Michigan State Football: 10 potential 2017 NFL Draft picks

Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) runs the ball during the third quarter in the Big Ten Conference football championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O /

Coming out of high school as a highly-regarded quarterback, Tyler O’Connor knew he’d be fighting for a starting job throughout his entire career.

During his true freshman season, Dantonio decided it was best that he redshirt in order to preserve an extra year of eligibility. He sat and watched as Andrew Maxwell struggled all year long. His receivers weren’t helping him out much as they dropped a record amount of passes, but his overall play was mediocre, at best.

The next season, O’Connor got a shot to win the job, but Connor Cook came out on top after taking over against Youngstown State and never looking back.

For three years, he has sat and watched as Cook has started and put up record-setting numbers at Michigan State. Now, it seems as if the 2016 season is O’Connor’s turn to show everyone that he can lead the Spartans.

It’s tough for any one-year starter in college to get drafted, but if O’Connor can put up over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns while showing athleticism and accuracy, he could work himself into a late-round selection.

Michigan State has produced a ton of quarterbacks in the NFL, and pro scouts will be keeping their eyes on O’Connor, assuming he wins the starting job.

Next: 7. Monty Madaris

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