Introduction
The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world and is home to some of the most talented athletes in the world. Many of these athletes come from college football programs, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA is one of the most successful college football programs in the country, with a long history of producing NFL talent. So, how many UCLA players are currently in the NFL?
UCLA’s Proven Track Record
UCLA has a long history of producing NFL talent, with over 100 players having gone on to play in the league since the 1940s. The school has had a number of standout players, including Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and All-Pro wide receiver Marcedes Lewis. UCLA has also had a number of successful coaches, including Super Bowl-winning head coach Dick Vermeil and current head coach Jim Mora.
Notable UCLA Players in the NFL
Some of UCLA’s most notable players in the NFL today include quarterback Josh Rosen, running back Paul Perkins, and linebacker Myles Jack. Rosen, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, is currently the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. He has shown promise in his first two seasons, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2019. Perkins, a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is in his fourth season with the New York Giants. He has been a reliable contributor, rushing for over 500 yards in each of the past two seasons. Jack, a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is a starting linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has been one of the team’s best players, recording over 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons.
UCLA’s Current NFL Representation
Currently, there are 24 UCLA players in the NFL. This includes players on active rosters, practice squads, and injured reserve. Of those 24 players, 18 are on active rosters, four are on practice squads, and two are on injured reserve. The 24 players are spread out across the league, with the most being on the Los Angeles Rams (five players) and the least being on the Kansas City Chiefs (one player).
UCLA’s Recent NFL Draft History
UCLA has had a number of successful players drafted in recent years, including quarterback Josh Rosen, linebacker Myles Jack, and offensive lineman Kolton Miller. In the 2019 NFL Draft, UCLA had four players selected, including tight end Caleb Wilson, who was taken in the seventh round. In the 2020 NFL Draft, UCLA had three players selected, including defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, who was taken in the third round.
UCLA’s Future NFL Prospects
UCLA has a number of promising prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft, including quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, wide receiver Kyle Philips, and linebacker Krys Barnes. Thompson-Robinson, who is entering his third season as the Bruins’ starting quarterback, is projected to be a mid-round pick. Philips, who led the Bruins in receiving yards in 2019, is projected to be a late-round pick. Barnes, who was an All-Pac-12 selection in 2019, is projected to be a mid-round pick.
Conclusion
UCLA has a long history of producing NFL talent, with over 100 players having gone on to play in the league since the 1940s. Currently, there are 24 UCLA players in the NFL, spread out across the league. UCLA has had a number of successful players drafted in recent years, and has a number of promising prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft. With such a strong track record of producing NFL talent, it is likely that UCLA will continue to be a major source of NFL talent in the years to come.
