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FSU Football: Top second day players picked in modern NFL Draft era

By Jason Parker

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 10: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 10: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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FSU football has had some big name stars come out and shine after being picked during the second day of the current three day NFL Draft format.

Entering the 2010 NFL Draft, the league decided the its annual selection meeting was so much fun that instead of just doing it for two days, it would be expanded to a three day event. Since that time, a baker’s dozen number of former FSU football players have been taken in day two – when the second and third rounds are held.

While the first round players are the ones that usually get all the publicity and the big cash, the second and third round players tend to have just as much talent and an additional chip on their shoulders for not being included in the first 32 selections of the professional team of their choice.

Several former Seminoles are among those who would fit into that category -and several of them have already started to shine despite only being in the league for eight seasons or less. Here’s a look at the top Day Two former FSU football players who have shined so far at the next level.

2011 – Rodney Hudson (C – 2nd Round by Kansas City)

After shining for FSU football, Hudson took his skills to the next level and spent four seasons with the Chiefs, becoming the starter in the 2013 season and eventually being considered one of the top centers in the game. He signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2015, where he took every snap in 2016 and started every game last season as well.

2014 – Lamarcus Joyner (DB – 2nd Round by St. Louis)

Continuing the tradition of DBU that runs through Tallahassee (more on that in a moment), Joyner has been one of the best defensive backs for the Rams and maybe in the enter NFC along with other former Seminoles. In just 12 games last season, Joyner had three interceptions and got the famed franchise tag, proving the Rams like what they see and realize he is the future.

2014 – Timmy Jernigan (DT – 2nd Round by Baltimore)

Another stud from the 2013 FSU football national title team, Jernigan was a consistent player for the Ravens during his three seasons in purple, coming in second in sacks during the 2016 season. He was traded to Philadelphia before last season, where he was a starter on the defensive line for the eventual Super Bowl champions.

2015 – Ronald Darby (CB – 2nd Round by Buffalo)

Remember me mentioning that FSU football was the real DBU? Well, Darby is helping my case as he was named the starter with the Bills as a rookie, finishing the season with two interceptions. He started 14 games the following season – missing two with injuries – before becoming the starter at cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, joining Jernigan in getting a Super Bowl ring.

Next: Dalvin Cook back at Vikings practice months after torn ACL

2017 – Dalvin Cook (RB – 2nd Round by Minnesota)

It might be crazy for some to think that a player who has been in just four NFL games would be among the best already, but look at what he did. Had Cook not gotten injured, he was on pace for over 1,400 yards this season and eight touchdowns before tearing his ACL. Cook has been hard at work and is expected to compete for the Vikings’ starting spot come the 2018 season.

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