Offensive Linemen Highlight Michigan State's NFL Draft Hopefuls

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kaleb Kraus | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 2:31 PM ET

It's NFL Draft week, so it wouldn't hurt to talk about some of the Michigan State football players hoping to have their name called this weekend. Sure, it's a pretty slim chance at this point for the guys that suited up in the Green and White in 2024.

There is one former Spartan who has been hearing first-round buzz. That's Spartan-turned-Oregon Duck, Derrick Harmon. He transferred to Eugene, but he spent more than three years in East Lansing. He was a big contributor to MSU when he was there, but enough about him.

Offensive Line has been the hotbed draft choice out of Michigan State the past couple of years, and that could be exactly where a Spartan could end up drafted from this week. Nick Samac was the lone Spartan picked in the 2024 Draft, as he went in the final round to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Spartans once again bolster a couple of strong offensive lineman prospects for the Draft. Luke Newman, an offensive guard, looks like the top prospect who could hear his name called. Chris Solari from the Detroit Free Press shared a similar thought about his prospectus.

Newman was a huge contributor this past season after transferring in from Holy Cross. He was able to impress scouts at his pro day, showing off a 35-inch vertical and 29 reps on the bench press.

His hard work seems to be paying off as he received an invite to the Detroit Lions' pro day.

Is he a guaranteed draft pick? No, but his name seems to be the one getting some love.

Another former Spartan lineman hoping to hear his name called is center Tanner Miller. He was a former All-American when he was at Oregon State, and followed Coach Jonathan Smith to MSU, to use his last season of eligibility.

Linemen have developed and turned into pros under Coach Smith and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik, both at Oregon State and now at Michigan State. Sure, Miller might not have the same chance as Newman of hearing his name, but ya never know.

Other MSU NFL hopefuls include Jonathan Kim (PK), Nathan Carter (RB), and Mavrick Hansen (DL). Time will tell if any Spartans will hear their name called in Green Bay this weekend.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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