A year after its lengthy NFL draft streak was snapped, Michigan State had a solid showing.
There were four Spartans taken in the 2022 NFL draft as running back Kenneth Walker III was selected by the Seahawks in the second round, receiver Jalen Nailor (Vikings) and tight end Connor Heyward (Steelers) both went in the sixth round and offensive tackle AJ Arcrui was taken by the Rams in the seventh round.
That represents the most picks for Michigan State since five players were taken in 2016. The Spartans had at least one player taken in the draft 80 straight years – the third-longest streak in the nation – before that run ended last year.
Those four won’t be the only Michigan State players from last season who will get an opportunity in the NFL. The draft ended shortly after 7 p.m. on Saturday night and players across the country began signing with teams as undrafted free agents.
Here’s a breakdown of former Spartans who landed opportunities as free agents. This post will be updated as announcements are made.
Kevin Jarvis, OL
Jarvis signed with the Detroit Lions for $155,000 total guaranteed, including a $15,000 signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson of the Pro Football Network. Jarvis, 6-foot-5 and 317 pounds, made 39 starts in 44 career games over five seasons – 25 at right guard, three at left tackle and 11 at right tackle – while battling injuries. Guard appears to be his best fit but he moved outside when Michigan State was shorthanded at tackle. After starting all 12 regular-season games last year, Jarvis didn’t play in the Peach Bowl win against Pittsburgh and declared for the draft.
Jacub Panasiuk, DE
Panasiuk signed with the Washington Commanders. Panasiuk, 6-foot-3 and 253 pounds, spent five seasons at Michigan State and made 43 starts while appearing in a program-record 57 games. He finished with 142 tackles, including 32 for a loss, 16 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Panasiuk’s older brother, Mike Panasiuk, was a three-year starter at defensive tackle for the Spartans and went undrafted in 2020 before spending time with the Raiders and Panthers.
Matt Coghlin, K
Coghlin landed a minicamp invite with the Chicago Bears. He was a five-year starter who spent six seasons with the Spartans and set program records for the most field goals made (76) and points scored (382). Coghlin finished 76-for-104 on field goals with a long of 51 yards, made all 148 of his extra point attempts and had 51 touchbacks on 80 kickoffs.
Anthony Russo, QB
Russo picked up a minicamp invitation from the Panthers. Russo, 6-3 and 239 pounds, threw for 6,287 yards, 44 touchdowns and 32 interceptions at Temple before arriving at Michigan State last year as a graduate transfer. He was unable to beat out Payton Thorne in the quarterback competition and appeared in only two games, finishing 7-for-9 passing for 43 yards.
Matt Allen, C
Allen received a minicamp invitation from the Giants after making 30 starts in 44 career games over six years at Michigan State. He is the third of the Allen brothers to play center for the Spartans as Jack Allen was an All-American while Brian Allen was drafted by the Rams in the fourth round in 2018 and was a starter for the Super Bowl winners last season.
Related Michigan State football stories:
Vikings coach was ‘pounding the table’ to draft Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor
Michigan State’s Connor Heyward gets wish to team up with brother for Steelers
Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III surprised to be drafted by Seahawks, brings ‘explosive’ talent
NFL draft analyst: Seahawks get ‘tackle breaker supreme’ in RB Kenneth Walker III
Michigan State LB Quavaris Crouch enters transfer portal again
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