Michigan State Football: Predicting where Spartans land in 2017 NFL Draft

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Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) gestures from the field during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Undrafted Free Agents

Like most years, there will be a plethora of undrafted free agents from the green and white. This doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t have a home in the NFL in 2017 (Ex: Lawrence Thomas, Max Bullough), but it means they have to work that much harder to earn a spot.

Must Read: MSU Football: Top 50 players in school history

Here are the players who will likely be undrafted free agents with a serious shot to make teams for preseason ball.

R.J. Shelton, WR: After working his way up the depth chart in his final three seasons, R.J. Shelton finally became the No. 1 receiver in 2016. He posted a career-high 789 yards and five touchdowns on 53 catches. He’s undersized at 5-foot-11, 202 pounds, but he will definitely find a home with a team that needs a slot guy bursting with potential.

Riley Bullough, ILB: While his senior season was disappointing, Riley Bullough still had a decent career with the Spartans. He’s aggressive and when his head’s on straight, he can be a force in the middle of the defense. He’ll follow his brother’s footsteps and make a team out of preseason camp after going undrafted.

Demetrious Cox, FS: I don’t think Demetrious Cox could have had a worse finish to his Michigan State career. He had a run-in with the law which caused him to miss the season finale in his home state against Penn State. He’s always had potential, but just never put it all together.

Darian Hicks, CB: Now this is a kid who I could see making a serious push for a 53-man roster come fall even though no one really gave him credit for a fantastic senior season. The Spartans’ defense struggled in 2016, but Darian Hicks made tremendous strides. Most improved player?

Ed Davis, OLB: Honestly, it all depends on if his knee can hold up. Ed Davis was once considered a potential All-Big Ten linebacker, but his torn ACL halted any progress. It’s going to be an uphill battle for him in the NFL and teams may be hesitant to give him a shot.

Kodi Kieler, OT: Kodi Kieler played just about everywhere on the offensive line which could attract some NFL squads, but did he truly excel at any? He played well at times, but the offensive line as a whole was a mess.

Tyler O’Connor, QB: Man, what a disappointing season it was for the senior gunslinger who waited for his turn only to struggle under center. Tyler O’Connor will find a spot as an undrafted free agent because of his work ethic, but will he stick? That’s a different story.

Jamal Lyles, TE: Although Jamal Lyles never really broke out at the tight end position, playing behind Josiah Price, the potential was always there. He posted career numbers as a senior, catching 12 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown.

Evan Jones, DE: We didn’t hear much from Evan Jones this past season and that’s because the defensive line was that bad. There’s a chance he’s signed as an undrafted free agent. The same can be said for Gabe Sherrod and Kevin Williams.

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