In its most recent mock draft, NFL Nation looked ahead to the first round of 2016's NFL draft and projected that seven Big Ten players would be selected.
Here at the Big Ten blog, we liked that idea -- so we decided to look ahead even further. Who are the seven conference players in 2017 who have the most potential to go in the first round?
Here's our way-too-early look ahead:
1. Michigan State DT Malik McDowell, junior
McDowell proclaimed earlier this month that he's the best defensive lineman in the country.