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Unveiled: The Surprising FCS Standouts Who Shocked the NFL Draft with First-Round Picks
In FCS college football, sometimes the talented players are right there in plain sight, ready to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
It’s a select group since the FCS originated in 1978, with North Dakota State offensive linemen Grey Zabel becoming the 24th all-time first-round pick in 2025.
The list includes a trio of schools leading with three first-rounders each: Alcorn State, Jackson State and NDSU.
Former FCS Players Selected in NFL Draft First Round
1979 – Phil Simms, QB, Morehead State: New York Giants, No. 7 Pick
There’s common belief quarterback Doug Williams was the first FCS first-round pick, but his final season at Grambling State in 1977 predated the Division I split. The distinction belongs to Simms, one of three Super Bowl MVPs (21) on this list (also Jerry Rice and Joe Flacco).
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