Michigan State Football: Josiah Scott goes to Jaguars, keeps streak alive

Josiah Scott was selected No. 137 overall in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, keeping Michigan State football’s streak alive.

For the 80th straight year, Michigan State has seen a player selected in the NFL draft. This time around, it was Josiah Scott going No. 137 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This draft streak of 80 straight drafts is the third-longest in the country behind Michigan and USC only. It’s impressive considering the Spartans haven’t exactly been known as a football school over the years.

The Jaguars got a good one in Scott who was the Spartans’ highest-regarded prospect, just ahead of Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and Brian Lewerke. I had him projected as a late-third round pick, but this mid-fourth selection makes sense, especially since the Jaguars were looking for cornerback depth after losing Jalen Ramsey.

Jacksonville did go with Florida’s CJ Henderson in the first round which will create some competition early on. He should have no problem making the roster next season but he has a big battle to fight.

Scott was one of the best cornerbacks in the Big Ten over the past three seasons but he had injury issues which limited his sophomore season and likely impacted his stock.

As a junior in 2019, he did put up his best numbers yet with 52 tackles, three interceptions and six pass deflections on a defense that took a major step back. After a breakout freshman season, he looked to be the next great defensive back out of Michigan State, but those sophomore injuries changed that.

Scott has lockdown potential, but will he crack the starting rotation at the next level with a young Jacksonville team?