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Michigan State Football: Will Spartans’ impressive draft streak end in 2018?

By Connor Muldowney

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Michigan State offensive lineman Brian Allen speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Michigan State offensive lineman Brian Allen speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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With just a few late-round NFL draft prospects on the roster, will Michigan State’s impressive streak come to an end in 2018?

One of the most impressive streaks in all of college football happens to be shared by five programs. Michigan, Florida, Nebraska, USC and Michigan State all have one thing in common: during the common era of the NFL draft (since 1967), each program has had at least one player selected in every single draft.

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Of those five, Michigan and USC are the only programs to hold a longer streak than Michigan State’s 77 consecutive years with a player chosen. That could come to an end for the Spartans this year, though, as Michigan State graduated just three starters and none are early-round prospects.

Could the 77-year draft streak come to an end in 2018? Let’s take a look at the Spartans’ three best draft prospects and where they could land.

Brian Allen, Center

Following his older brother’s footsteps, Brian Allen will look to make it to the next level after excelling at center for the Spartans. However, Brian is hoping to do something his older brother Jack wasn’t able to do — hear his name called on NFL draft weekend.

Allen is considered one of the top centers in this year’s class, but that position isn’t the most important for NFL teams since offensive linemen in the NFL are usually versatile enough to play multiple positions and college centers are usually fairly undersized. Allen has decent size and his strength sets him apart — that and the fact that he has four years of starting experience.

Projection: Rounds 6-7

Chris Frey, Linebacker

Before the season, I would have said Chris Frey was a lock to hear his name called on draft day, but he had a relatively quiet season despite helping the defense reach an elite level again. He was named co-captain and was one of the leaders both on and off the field.

Frey has the ability to blitz from the linebacker position and has plenty of athleticism to set himself apart at the position. His consistency was lacking slightly during the 2017 season, but has shown the ability to excel on the outside in years past. While he may not be drafted, he will find his way onto a roster in the NFL, in my opinion.

Projection: Undrafted free agent

Gerald Holmes, Running Back

Gerald Holmes had an up-and-down career with Michigan State. Although his carries fluctuated each season, he remained positive and was another one of those incredible leaders both on and off the field for Michigan State.

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Though he might not get drafted, but he has the size at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds to make an impression on NFL teams this offseason. He finished his career with 1,302 yards on 4.4 per carry with the Spartans. There’s still a chance he could go in the seventh round.

Projection: Undrafted free agent

Demetrius Cooper is another possibility this class, but after a disappointing senior season, he is almost assuredly an undrafted free agent option.

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