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Michigan State Football: Where will Spartans be selected in 2019 NFL Draft?

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks up a pass next to Terry McLaurin #83 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks up a pass next to Terry McLaurin #83 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: Jabrill Peppers #5 of the Michigan Wolverines is tackled during a second quarter run by Andrew Dowell #5 and Mike McCray #9 of the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: Jabrill Peppers #5 of the Michigan Wolverines is tackled during a second quarter run by Andrew Dowell #5 and Mike McCray #9 of the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Undrafted free agents

The Spartans have a handful of guys who are likely to go undrafted despite having solid careers at Michigan State, starting with Andrew Dowell.

I’ve been a huge fan of Andrew Dowell’s game since he started at Michigan State. He was an immediate contributor for the Spartans, recording 22 tackles in eight games as a true freshman back in 2015. He saw his numbers increase each year and he came just three tackles short of 100 as a senior with nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and nine pass breakups. He’ll likely go undrafted, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he made a roster this fall.

Matt Sokol frustrated many fans over his career in East Lansing because he was known for either dropping passes or stumbling with running room in front of him. He did make some big catches throughout his career, but that may not be enough to earn draft consideration. Some top draft experts have him listed relatively low — CBS Sports ranks him as the 25th-best tight end and Mel Kiper has him at No. 28. He finished his career with 31 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns.

Michigan State’s offensive line was horrid in 2018, but David Beedle was one of the more consistent performers. He has the size that NFL teams may covet at 6-5 and 330 pounds, but he doesn’t have enough experience as a starter nor exposure on a poor offensive line to draw interest from pro organizations. Expect him to be an undrafted free agent.

The story of Jon Reschke is one that he’d like to forget — along with many Spartan fans — but he was forgiven by his teammates, which is really the most important thing. On the field, he was once a top linebacker in the Big Ten before getting kicked off the team and then returning for his final season. He did have a decent last season with the Spartans, recording 33 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss, but will likely have to earn his way onto a roster via undrafted free agency.

MSU Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart after spring. dark. Next

Gerald Owens came to Michigan State with high expectations as the No. 1 fullback in the nation, but he moved over to the defensive line immediately because of his size. He weighed about 245 pounds and then shot up to 310 pounds by his senior year, finishing his Michigan State career with 24 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was a regular member of the rotation as a senior, but was never truly a dominant force.

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