Michigan State’s last first-round pick was offensive tackle Jack Conklin in 2016 and, in addition to getting skunked in 2021, the program had only one selection in two drafts since then. Offensive lineman Nick Samac was the lone pick last year, going to the Ravens in the seventh round.

The state of MSU football can be measured by its place in the NFL draft — specifically the number of players being selected in the first four rounds.