An 80-year NFL Draft streak ended in 2021. Will another end this season?

Michigan State football has put a whole lot of talent in the NFL over the years, including current stars in quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Jayden Reed and running back Kenneth Walker III. But in 2021, no Spartans were selected at the NFL Draft. Since then, Michigan State players have been picked in three consecutive drafts. This week’s 2025 NFL Draft might put the latest streak in jeopardy.

Most of Michigan State’s draft prospects this season are projected late-round picks or undrafted free agents (UDFAs). It’ll be a patient NFL Draft process for those players to see if their name is called by an NFL team, or if their agent calls with a deal later on.

Now, maybe the transfer portal era puts an asterisk on a potential end to the big streak’s sequel. Derrick Harmon, a Detroit-born defensive lineman who spent his first three seasons in East Lansing before playing his most recent with College Football Playoff-bound Oregon, is a projected first- or second-round pick.

Here’s a look at Michigan State’s top draft prospects and where they might be selected.

• Luke Newman, OL: Newman was one of the bright spots on a Michigan State offensive line last season. For a unit that really struggled in both run blocking and pass protection, the Holy Cross transfer and Birmingham Brother Rice grad stood out as an impact player. He graded out a 71.9 at guard, according to PFF, which ranked 71st among all linemen. At Michigan State’s pro day, Newman put together an impressive display, including a 35-inch vertical and 29 reps on bench press. He earned an invite to the Detroit Lions’ pro day, and he continues to see his name in the buzz for potential late-round picks and UDFA offers. Projected draft position: Rounds 6-7/UDFA

• Jonathan Kim, K: It’s rare to see many kickers go in the NFL Draft, but Kim’s leg is a talented one. For a Michigan State offense that struggled to get into the end zone, the transfer from North Carolina made 19-of-21 field goals and 22-of-24 PATs. He set a Michigan State school record with six field goals made against Iowa, including one for 55 yards. For teams that need a kicker, Kim could be an option as either a late pick or a UDFA. Projected draft position: Rounds 6-7/UDFA

• Maverick Hansen, DL/OL: Originally, Mark Dantonio brought Hansen in with both sides of the trenches in mind, but Hansen’s six years in East Lansing saw him play defensive tackle the whole way. In the interest of courting an NFL future, the Farmington Hills Harrison grad has worked out as an offensive lineman again, too, drawing some interest. Again, the UDFA path will probably be open should Hansen not be drafted. Projected draft position: Rounds 6-7/UDFA

• Nate Carter, RB: Carter’s production — 499 yards on 116 carries for five touchdowns — doesn’t really leap off the page, but his physical tests do. He jumped a 30-inch vertical, benched 23 reps and ran a 4.37 at Michigan State’s pro day. Those numbers have caused a little NFL interest, and Carter could be a late pickup for a team looking for hidden talent. Projected draft position: Rounds 6-7/UDFA