Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, April 8, 2015

Michigan State has been one of the Big Ten?s top programs in recent years, winning 11 or more games four times in the last five seasons. But the NFL draft doesn?t reflect that success.

[ MORE: Check out Tom Dienhart's Big Ten NFL draft snapshots ]

Instead, it reinforces the notion that Mark Dantonio and his staff have few peers when it comes to developing talent to fit their system. The results are prodigious, with bowl wins in each of the last four years, as Dantonio routinely turns three-star recruits into five-star studs.

This year?s draft, held April 30-May 2, could feature several Spartans, led by projected first-round pick Trae Waynes at cornerback. Running back Jeremy Langford, wideout Tony Lippett, linebacker Taiwan Jones and safety Kurtis Drummond also could be selected.

Here is a look at how Michigan State has fared in the last 10 NFL drafts.

MICHIGAN STATE DRAFT (2005-14)

Highest pick: CB Darqueze Dennard, 24th overall/Bengals, 2014

Most fertile draft: 2012, six selections

Total first-round selections: 1

Total picks: 27

Position breakdown:

  • Defensive line: 6
  • Defensive back: 5
  • Running back: 4
  • Receiver: 3
  • Offensive line: 2
  • Quarterback: 2
  • Tight end: 2
  • Linebacker: 1
  • Kicker: 1
  • Punter: 1

***

2005

Sixth round: RB DeAndra Cobb, Falcons

Sixth round: K Dave Rayner, Colts

Seventh round: DT Kevin Vickerson, Dolphins

Seventh round: G Will Whitticker, Packers

2006

Third round: DB Eric Smith, Jets

Fourth round: DT Domata Peko, Bengals

Seventh round: C Chris Morris, Raiders

2007

Second round: QB Drew Stanton, Lions

Fifth round: DT Clifton Ryan, Rams

Seventh round: P Brandon Fields, Dolphins

2008

Second round: WR Devin Thomas, Redskins

Fifth round: TE Kellen Davis, Bears

Seventh round: DE Ervin Baldwin, Bears

2009

Fifth round: RB Javon Ringer, Titans

2010

Seventh round: DB Jeremy Ware, Raiders

2011

Sixth round: LB Greg Jones, Giants

Sixth round: DB Chris Rucker, Colts

2012

Second round: DE Jerel Worthy, Packers

Fourth round: QB Kirk Cousins, Redskins

Fourth round: WR Keshawn Martin, Texans

Sixth round: FS Trenton Robinson, 49ers

Sixth round: WR B.J. Cunningham, Dolphins

Seventh round: RB Edwin Baker, Chargers

2013

Second round: RB Le?Veon Bell, Steelers

Fourth round: DE William Gholston, Buccaneers

Fourth round: TE Dion Sims, Dolphins

2014

First round: CB Darqueze Dennard, Bengals

About Tom Dienhart BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section.

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