The 2014 NFL Draft is upon us and Florida State has a number of players getting set to begin playing their football on Sundays. After a 14-0 season that culminated in the school’s third national championship, it’s no surprise that a number of Seminoles will soon be finding NFL homes.
After a 12-2 campaign in 2012 that resulted in the school’s first ACC crown in seven years, a school-record 11 FSU players were taken in the 2013 NFL Draft. Three Seminoles went in the first round with quarterback E.J. Manuel, who was selected 16th by the Buffalo Bills, being the first to go.
Although Florida State was able to have 11 players drafted a year ago, there is a chance that school-record could last just a year. While it’s remarkable that the Seminoles were able to climb to college football’s summit after losing so much last season, the great FSU teams of years past had always shown an ability to reload.
While wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan, who both left early for the draft, are Florida State’s only two potential first round picks, six other FSU players look to be locks to be selected.
Linebackers Christian Jones and Telvin Smith are certain to be selected as is All-American cornerback Lamarcus Joyner, safety Terrence Brooks, Rimington Award-winning center Bryan Stork and running back Devonta Freeman.
One of Freeman’s colleagues in the backfield a season ago, James Wilder Jr., should also be taken, but off-the-field run-ins with the law have put his draft stock somewhat in question. Wilder is the son of James Wilder, who spent his NFL days with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Also hoping to be drafted from Florida State’s national championship team are wide receiver Kenny Shaw, fullback Chad Abram and defensive tackles Jacobbi McDaniel and Demonte McAllister.
Whether the number of Florida State players taken over the weekend hits nine, 10, 11 or 13, the 2014 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a very good one for the Seminoles. After having 11 players selected last season, Florida State will once again be forced to reload.
After a 14-0 season that resulted in the school’s first national championship in 14 years, it’s safe to say that all is well with the Florida State football program. While it’s the wins and championships that matter most, routinely putting large numbers of players in the NFL Draft is perhaps as big an indication that the Seminoles are all the way back.
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