Nebraska, Kansas and Virginia Have Dubious NFL Draft Streaks

2012 is an extremely long time to not achieve this feat. Here is a closer look at the situation for each of the three:

Nebraska

Their last Top 50 pick was Prince Amukamara, who was selected with the 19^th overall pick by the New York Giants in 2011. While several have come close, such as Cam Jurgens (No. 51), Ameer Abdullah (No. 54), Stanley Jean-Baptiste (No. 58) and Lavonte David (No. 58) it has been a dark time for the Huskers.

Despite this lack of draft success, the Huskers were still winning on the field from 2012-2016, compiling a record of 43-23. However, since then their on-field performance has copied the draft, with an overall record of 42-64.

Kansas

Kansas’ draft shortfall has been even longer, with Aqib Talib being their last Top 50 pick. That occurred during the 2008 NFL Draft, when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 20^th overall pick.

2008 ended up being one of the last positive years for the program, as the season after Talib was drafted the Jayhawks finished 8-5. Since then they have only enjoyed on winning season (2023) and 12 seasons when they totaled three or less wins.

Virginia

Virginia’s most recent Top 50 pick dates back to 2011, same as the Cornhuskers. During that NFL Draft, Ras-I Dowling was selected 33^rd overall by the New England Patriots.

Since the 2011 Draft, the Cavs have only enjoyed four winning seasons. However, they are coming off their first double-digit victory season since 1989 so there is hope in Charlottesville that better things are on the horizon.

These are the types of results that make recruiting more difficult. That is because opposing programs will happily use information like this against the Huskers, Jayhawks and Cavs. The only way to defeat the negative recruiting is to win, but without top recruits that gets more difficult. It’s a cycle that has become endless for the three programs.  

Can any of the three end the cycle in 2027?