Go ahead and blame the Big Ten blog. Since it launched in July 2008, the Big Ten hasn't had an NFL draft pick in the top 10. The Big Ten also hasn't had a team appear in the national championship game.
So yes, it's all my/our fault.
Here's the good news: if you believe the really early forecasts for the 2015 draft, the Big Ten's top-10 drought soon will end. USA Today's first mock draft for 2015 has Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory not only going in the top 10, but at No. 1 overall.
That would be a bit ironic, since the Big Ten's last top-10 pick also went No. 1 overall (former Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long in 2008).
ESPN's Todd McShay isn't as high on the Big Ten or Gregory, but he does predict, at least for now, that the Big Ten will produce a top-10 pick next spring.
McShay's first mock draft for 2015 features Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff at No. 7 overall. Scherff opted to return to Iowa for his senior season rather than enter the draft, where Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said he likely would have been a mid to late first-round selection. It will be interesting if Scherff follows the path of another Iowa tackle who chose to stay in school, Robert Gallery, the No. 2 overall pick in 2004.
Gregory is at No. 28 in McShay's mock, although the Nebraska standout certainly has top-10 potential if he builds on a terrific 2013 season. He is definitely attracting the attention of NFL personnel evaluators.
Another top-10 candidate is Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun, who comes in at No. 12 in McShay's mock. Calhoun shined in his first year as a starter, leading the Big Ten with four fumbles recovered and recording 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Bennett rounds out McShay's mock draft at No. 32 overall.
Two questions for you: Will the Big Ten's top-10 drought end next year? And, if so, who will end it?
Send your responses here.
