Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, April 14, 2015
The best way to describe Northwestern?s NFL draft success the last 10 years? Modest.
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The Wildcats have produced just 11 picks-with one first-round selection. That was defensive lineman Luis Castillo back in 2005. Six times in the last 10 years, NU has failed to have a pick: 2007-09, 2011, 2013-14. That belies the success Pat Fitzgerald has enjoyed in that span, taking the Wildcats to six bowls.
NU safety Ibraheim Campbell figures to be the first Wildcat off the draft board this year, projecting by most to be a mid-round selection. Wideout Kyle Prater and center Brandon Vitabile also have a chance to be picked.
NORTHWESTERN DRAFT (2005-14)
Highest pick: No. 28 overall, 2005, DT Luis Castillo, Chargers
Most fertile draft: 2005, 2006, 2010, three selections
Total first-round picks: 1
Total picks: 11
Position breakdown:
- Defensive line: 3
- Offensive line: 2
- Running back: 1
- Linebacker: 1
- Quarterback: 1
- Defensive back: 1
- Tight end: 1
- Receiver: 1
2005
First round: DT Luis Castillo, Chargers
Third round: OT Trai Essex, Steelers
Seventh round: RB Noah Herron, Steelers
2006
Fourth round: NT Barry Cofield, Giants
Seventh round: OT Zach Strief, Saints
Seventh round: LB Tim McGarigle, Rams
2007
None
2008
None
2009
None
2010
Fourth round: DE Corey Wootton, Bears
Fourth round: QB Mike Kafka, Eagles
Fifth round: DB Sherrick McManis, Texans
2011
None
2012
Seventh round: TE Drake Dunsmore, Buccaneers
Seventh round: WR Jeremy Ebert, Patriots
2013
None
2014
None
| 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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