FSU breaks modern NFL draft record with 29 players selected in 3-year span

The Florida State football program has broken the NFL record for the most draft picks in a three-year stretch with 29 draft picks selected since 2013.

Five Seminoles, including wide receiver Rashad Greene, running back Karlos Williams, tight end Nick O'Leary and two offensive linemen, were selected on the final day of the 2015 draft on Saturday.

Offensive linemen Bobby Hart, a 20-year-old senior projected to play guard at the next level, put FSU over the edge in the seventh round when he was selected by the New York Giants with the 226th overall pick.

Along with 11 picks in 2013 and seven in 2014, FSU now holds the record previously held by Miami (2002-2004) and USC (2008-2010) with 28 picks — giving coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff one of the most historic runs in draft and school history.

FSU's run is considered the new "modern-day" record, since the draft changed to the current seven-round format in 1994. Texas had 31 picks from 1982-84, but had 10 players drafted after seventh round.

"Days like (Saturday) are why you coach," Fisher said in a statement. "I'm really proud of all of these guys."

The Seminoles have won 39 of 42 games, three consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference championships, and a national title during the stretch.

All but four of FSU's starters from the 2013 title game against Auburn have been drafted. Junior defensive back Jalen Ramsey and redshirt linebacker Terrance Smith are still in school. Linebacker Christian Jones signed with the Chicago Bears in 2014. Offensive lineman Josue Matias was not selected but signed with the Tennessee Titans, according to a tweet by IMG Academy where Matias trained leading up to draft.

Offensive lineman Tre Jackson was the first Seminole selected Saturday, going 111th overall in the fourth round to the New England Patriots. He'll be reunited with former teammate Bryan Stork — the center for FSU during the 2013 national championship season and for the Patriots' 2014 Super Bowl victory.

"Tre' is one heck of a player," Fisher said. "He is as tough as they come. He was often our best offensive lineman most games over the past two years.

Greene, FSU's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, was taken 139th overall in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He'll reunite with former FSU linebacker Telvin Smith.

"(Greene) set nearly every receiving record, and was a leader and a captain for us," Fisher said. "In all of my years coaching, he is one of my favorites. He will be a great ambassador for Florida State. I can't wait to watch him play in Jacksonville."

The Buffalo Bills selected both Williams and O'Leary, giving the AFC East team seven Seminoles drafted since 2012.

Williams, who also played safety during his time at FSU, was taken in the fifth round with the 155th pick. FSU has had a running back selected in all three drafts, with Chris Thompson picked by the Washington Redskins in 2013 and Devonta Freeman by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014.

Ten tight ends were selected before O'Leary, who won the Mackey Award given to the nation's top college player at the position last season. He was taken in the sixth round with the 194th pick.

The Bills also selected defensive back Ronald Darby, whose name was called by former University of Miami great Jim Kelly on Friday with the 50th pick. Quarterback EJ Manuel, linebacker Nigel Bradham, and long snapper Garrison Sanborn are all former FSU players on the Buffalo roster.

The Seminoles led the nation with 11 picks in the draft — tying the school record set in 2013 — beginning with quarterback Jameis Winston taken first overall by the Tampa Bay Bucs and center Cam Erving by the Cleveland Browns in the first round Thursday night.

FSU also had four players taken on the second night: Darby ahead of defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (Oakland Raiders) and nose tackle Eddie Goldman (Chicago Bears) in the second round. The New Orleans Saints took defensive back P.J. Williams, who had his recent DUI case dropped, in the third round Friday.

The ACC had 47 total players selected in 2015, just seven behind the Southeastern Conference. There were 39 Pac-12 players, 35 Big Ten players and 25 Big 12 players drafted.

Louisville had 10 players drafted. Both teams played on Oct. 30 last season, with the Seminoles beating the Cardinals 42-31.

In all, FSU has had 15 defensive players, 13 offensive players and a kicker drafted since 2013.

USC had nine players drafted in 2011, giving the Trojans 37 picks over a four-year stretch.

FSU only had four players drafted in 2012.

Seminoles who could hear their names called in the 2016 draft: Ramsey, Terrence Smith, redshirt junior kicker Roberto Aguayo, senior linebacker Reggie Northrup, redshirt senior defensive tackles Nile Lawrence-Stample and Derrick Mitchell Jr., and redshirt senior defensive backs Tyler Hunter and Lamarcus Brutus.

"For FSU to be able to get the modern three-year record, it's a testament to our assistant coaches and our support staff, and our ability to develop players," said Fisher, who has had 36 players drafted during his tenure at FSU.

"But most importantly it's a testament to the work these players have put in. We've had some terrific players come through the program the past three years, but they're even better people."

FSU players taken in NFL draft since 2013