Michigan State has a long history of sending players to the NFL. However, that hasn’t been the case over the last two years as the school as only had three total draft picks (Biran Allen, Malik McDowell and Montae Nicholson.)
Who are the candidates to be drafted this season? Running back L.J. Scott should be a Day 3 pick, and wide receiver Felton Davis is another player who could sneak into the backend of the draft. However, the best prospect to come from Michigan State this season is cornerback Justin Layne.
Layne is a former receiver who was moved to cornerback during his freshman season. That moved proved to be a smart one as Layne went on to be a star defensive back for the Spartans, tallying 24 career pass deflections and three interceptions.
Layne tested well at the NFL Combine, running a 4.50 40-yard dash at nearly 6’2, 192 pounds. Take a look at his athletic web via mockdraftable:
Layne is going to be a Day 2 draft pick for one simple reason; his wingspan. With 33 inch arms, Layne is well above the 32-inch threshold teams search for at the position. It also helps that he got better in nearly every game and by the end of his junior season, he was one of the best cornerbacks in the nation.
Considering his length, athleticism and his production, don’t be surprised when he is selected inside of the top-50 in April’s draft.
