The Indiana University football program has seen its former players get drafted into the NFL for five consecutive years. If that streak is going to continue into 2019, it probably won’t happen until the later rounds.
That is going to make for some nervous moments for several former Hoosiers.
While getting drafted into the league is no guarantee of a roster spot, it is a badge of honor, and an acknowledgement of years of hard work. Being drafted also comes with greater potential financial rewards.
At least five former players will be watching the middle to late rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft hoping to hear their names called.
On the Bubble…
Jonathan Crawford (Safety) — IU’s 2018 team MVP and NFL Draft Combine invitee is listed as the No. 206 overall player according to ESPN is ranked as a top 20 safety according to most services. NFL.com projection: Round 6.
Brandon Knight (Guard) — Also a NFL Draft Combine invitee, Knight is listed as the No. 215 overall player according to ESPN. While a tackle at IU, Knight projects as an interior lineman in the NFL. NFL.com projection: Round 7 to priority free agent.
Dan Godsil (Long Snapper) — Godsil impressed at the Combine. He is generally regarded as a top prospect at his position and will likely get an opportunity to make a team irrespective of whether he gets drafted. NFL.com projection: Priority free agent.
Nick Linder (Center) — Linder played one year for IU after transferring in from Miami (Florida). He is a top 20 center according to most ranking services. NFL.com projection: Unavailable.
Wes Martin (Guard/Center) — Martin made an impression at the IU pro day, including putting up what would have been one of the top bench press rep totals in the combine. He could go anywhere from the middle rounds to undrafted. NFL.com projection: Rounds 5-6.
According to NFL.com, here is the draft viewing schedule:
NFL Draft TV schedule
Thursday, April 25: 8:00 p.m. EDT
NFL Draft, Round 1
ABC, ESPN, NFL Network and ESPN Deportes | NFL.com/Watch
Friday, April 26: 7:00 p.m. EDT
NFL Draft, Rounds 2-3ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, NFL Network and ESPN Deportes | NFL.com/Watch
Saturday, April 27: Noon EDT
NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7ABC, ESPN, NFL Network and ESPN Deportes | NFL.com/Watch
Likely Undrafted Free Agent Signees
While the money is better if a player is drafted (and ultimately makes the team), there are some perks to going undrafted, including for some the ability to choose which team to sign with.
Once the draft is over, keep an eye on these former Hoosier names as potential undrafted free agent signees that would then also get an opportunity to make a roster at a team’s NFL training camp.
- J-Shun Harris (Receiver / Returner)
- Delroy Baker (Offensive Line)
- Nile Sykes (Defensive Line)
- Luke Timian (Receiver)
- Dameon Willis (Linebacker)
The 2019 NFL Draft runs from April 25 through April 27 and is being held in Nashville, Tennessee.
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