Virginia’s 33 year NFL draft streak ends

It started with Quentin Walker going 185th overall to the then-St. Louis Cardinals in 1984. It included players going as high as Chris Long as the second overall pick, and as late as Tim O’Connor as the 208th.

Turns out it ended with Maurice Canady landing in Baltimore last year, at pick #209.

For thirty-three years, Virginia football had at least one player in every NFL Draft. But after 253 picks in the 2017 NFL Draft—from Myles Garrett to Cleveland at #1 to the Broncos taking Chad Kelly as the all-time most interesting Mr. Irrelevant—not a single Hoo heard their name called at the podium in Philadelphia.

Running back Taquan Mizzell was seen as Virginia’s most likely draft prospect, with offensive tackle Eric Smith holding an outside chance as well. Both should end up getting to fight for an NFL roster spot as undrafted free agents.

U.Va. should start another streak in 2018, with Quin Blanding, Micah Kiser, and Andrew Brown all finishing their eligibility at Virginia this season.