For fans of the Mid-American Conference, the NFL Draft is usually a mixed bag of emotions. More often than not, a MAC alum gets selected in the first round. Since 1998, 12 alums heard their names called, got the commissioner handshake, and were instantly transformed into millionaires.
The list before tonight of first round MAC selections:
2014, LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo, Oakland (5)
2014, DB Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois, San Francisco (30)
2013, OT Eric Fisher, Central Michigan, Kansas City (1)
2011, DT Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple, NY Jets (30)
2009, DE Larry English, Northern Illinois, San Diego (16)
2007, OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan, San Francisco (28)
2004, QB Ben Roethlisberger, Miami, Pittsburgh (11)
2004, DE Jason Babin, Western Michigan, Houston (27)
2003, QB Byron Leftwich, Marshall, Jacksonville (7)
2000, QB Chad Pennington, Marshall, NY Jets (18)
1999, OT L.