Every First-Round NFL Draft Pick in MSU History

The NFL Draft officially kicks off on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.

Michigan State football has had 324 NFL draft picks in its history, which ranks 17th among all programs all-time. The Spartans won't have any first-round picks this season, but let's take a look back at the past for those who did go that high. Below is a complete list of every such selection in MSU history.

Top-5 Picks

DE Bubba Smith (1st Overall, 1967, BAL)

Michigan State has generated one first-overall pick in its history. That is Bubba Smith, who went to the Baltimore Colts, where he became a two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection.

QB Earl Morrall (2nd Overall, 1956, SF)

The first of four second overall picks in MSU history is quarterback Earl Morrall. He played 21 years in the NFL, won three Super Bowls, and was the 1968 MVP.

RB Clint Jones (2nd Overall, 1967, MIN)

Next up is Clint Jones. He ended up playing seven years in the league, totaling 2,178 career rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.

T Tony Mandarich (2nd Overall, 1989, GB)

Next is Tony Mandarich, who never worked out for a long period of time in the NFL. He was a unanimous All-American at Michigan State and was nicknamed "The Incredible Bulk," but attitude problems, steroid use, and other factors derailed his professional career.

WR Charles Rogers (2nd Overall, 2003, DET)

Last in the string of second overall picks is the late Charles Rogers, who might be the best receiver in Michigan State history. Rogers had 1,470 receiving yards in 2001 and 1,351 receiving yards in 2002. Those are No. 1 and No. 2 on the Spartans' all-time single-season list. He didn't work out in Detroit, though, only totaling 440 career receiving yards due to injuries and substance abuse violations.

LB Dan Currie (3rd Overall, 1958, GB)

Next up is Dan Currie, who went third overall in 1958. He made a pair of All-Pro teams with the Packers, also winning two NFL Championships during the pre-Super Bowl era of the league.

LB Carl Banks (3rd Overall, 1984, NYG)

Also at third overall is Carl Banks. He won Super Bowls in 1987 and 1991 with the New York Giants, and he also became a First Team All-Pro during the '87 season. Banks was a three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection at MSU (1981-83) and an All-American in 1983.

OG Ed Budde (4th Overall, 1963, PHI)

One great offensive lineman to come out of MSU is Ed Budde, who was a First Team All-American at Michigan State. He went fourth overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, but opted to sign with the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs instead after going eighth overall in their draft, becoming a seven-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champ. Interestingly, MSU center Dave Behrman went fourth overall in the AFL Draft that season, too.

LB George Webster (5th Overall, 1967, HOU)

Fifth is linebacker George Webster, who started his career with three First Team All-Pro selections in three seasons with the Houston Oilers. Webster's No. 90 jersey is retired at Michigan State.

LB Anthony Bell (5th Overall, 1986, STL)

Wrapping up the top-5 picks is Anthony Bell. He played seven seasons in the league with the St. Louis/Phoenix (now Arizona) Cardinals, the Lions, and the then-Los Angeles Raiders.