The Huskies have churned out NFL stars in recent years and will make a major impact on the Playoffs.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Washington - 18
Washington did an amazing job developing players during the Chris Petersen era and it was no surprise that they led the Pac-12 in NFL Players during the regular season as well. Budda Baker is the biggest name among Huskies in the League but Vita Vea has become a star as well and just signed a 4 year $73M extension. Other names to watch are Byron Murphy, Joe Tryon, Greg Gaines, Taylor Rapp and Elijah Molden
2. Stanford - 17
Stanford at one time was the King of the Pac-12 under David Shaw. They consistently competed for the Conference Title and would have 4 or more players taken each draft. As a result, the NFL is littered with former Cardinal players. Zach Ertz will look to make his presence felt for Arizona and led the team in receptions since he joined them in October after being traded by the Eagles.
3. UCLA - 14
This one might surprise some people, but the Bruins were loaded during the Jim Mora era. In 2016, 8 UCLA players were taken in the Draft and from 2013-2018, 6 Bruins were taken in the First Round. Names to Watch: Khrys Barnes and Kenny Clark on the Packers.
4. USC - 12
USC should lead this list and the fact they are 4th tells you everything you need to know about how far the program has fallen. With Lincoln Riley now at the helm, the Trojans should be on top of this this list in a few years. Tyron Smith will be the biggest name in the Playoffs among players who attended USC as he has reached 8 Pro Bowls and plays for the Dallas Cowboys.
5. Utah - 11
The Utes are known for their ability to take 3 star recruits and develop them into All-Conference performers and NFL Draft picks. Most of the Utah players that reached the Playoffs are unfortunately backups but Zack Moss should be fun to watch for the Bills and often gets 5-10 touches per game. A fun fact about Utah: they have had more players drafted than Oregon since 2015, despite being consistently ranked worse in recruiting rankings.
5. Oregon - 11
It's a shame that Justin Herbert missed the playoffs. He's one of the top QBs in the league and many Duck fans have adopted the Chargers as their NFL Team. With Herbert not playing, Duck fans should tune into the 49ers game and watch Arik Armstead who had 6 sacks this season.
7. Oregon State - 10
The Beavers have more impact NFL players than you might think. Despite a string of bad seasons, the players that OSU has had drafted have often become NFL stalwarts. Some names to watch in this years' Playoffs: Jordan Poyer (Buffalo), Steven Nelson (Eagles), and Nahshon Wright (Cowboys).
8. ASU - 9
Brandon Aiyuk, a first round pick in 2020, is one of the most exciting players in the NFL with his blazing speed. The former Sun Devil star racked up 843 yards this season after putting up 825 as a Rookie in 2020. Can he be the game changer in the 49ers game against the Cowboys?
8. Cal - 9
Cal features the biggest name in the NFL Playoffs among Pac-12 Alumni. Aaron Rodgers will finish his career as one of the five best players to ever play the QB position and he has a real chance at reaching the Super Bowl this season. Rodgers had a ridiculous season with 37 touchdown passes and just 4 interceptions. Under Rodgers, the Golden Bears won 10 games in 2004 and nearly reached the Rose Bowl.
8. Colorado - 9
The 2016 Colorado team that won 10 games and reached the Pac-12 Title had a loaded secondary and the NFL Playoffs will feature two big names from that roster. Chidobie Awuzie is now on the Bengals while Ahkello Witherspoon starts for the Steelers.
11. Arizona - 7
Arizona has been devoid of talent for a long time but despite the lack of success in the Draft, the Wildcats have Rob Gronkowski on the Bucs. Gronk is a favorite target for Tom Brady and the Bucs should be one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl once again. The former Wildcat star finished the season with 802 yards and now has 9,288 yards for his career.
12. WSU - 5
Jalen Thompson has been a fixture in the secondary for the Arizona Cardinals and is playing at a high level this season as he racked up 79 tackles and 3 interceptions. Many Coug fans will hope to see Gardner Minshew play for the Eagles in the Playoffs but Jalen Hurts will be the starter.
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