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25 College football programs with the most all-time NFL Draft picks

By Michael Collins

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Joey Bosa (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the San Diego Chargers as the number three overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Joey Bosa (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the San Diego Chargers as the number three overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15). Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15). Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

First Overall Picks: Russell Maryland (1991), Vinny Testaverde (1987)

Other Notable First Round Picks: Kenny Phillips (2008), Brandon Meriweather (2007), Greg Olsen (2007), Antrel Rolle (2005), Sean Taylor (2004), Jonathan Vilma (2004), Vince Wilfork (2004), Andre Johnson (2003), Willis McGahee (2003), Bryant McKinnie (2002), Jeremy Shockey (2002), Ed Reed (2002), Santana Moss (2001), Reggie Wayne (2001), Bubba Franks (2000), Edgerrin James (1999), Ray Lewis (1996), Warren Sapp (1995), Cortez Kennedy (1990), Michael Irvin (1988), Jerome Brown (1987), Jim Kelly (1983), Ottis Anderson (1979)

We reach the point in the countdown where the number of recognizable names increases greatly, as does the number of busts. Miami has certainly had its share of both.

Related Story: Mark Richt Makes Canes 2016 ACC Title Contender

During the Hurricanes’ glory years, it seemed like every player who suited up as in orange and green was destined for NFL paychecks. But even during the more tenuous times in Miami, they still managed to give the NFL a lot of quality players.

With Mark Richt taking over this year, the flood of talent to the professional ranks is certainly set to begin again, and the Hurricanes are unlikely to go through another six-year drought for first round picks as they did between 2009-2014.

The Canes’ 1988 draft class was their largest, with arguably some of their most recognized names, sending Bennie Blades, Michael Irvin, and nine other players to the NFL.

But with all the great quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs which have emerged from Miami, it’s ironic that their biggest bust was probably tailback Alonzo Highsmith, who was taken with the third overall pick by the Houston Oilers in 1987, and finished his NFL career with only 1,195 yards over five seasons.

Next: Gators

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