In today’s pass-heavy football era, defensive backs have never been more critical. From lockdown cornerbacks who erase top wide receivers to ball-hawking safeties patrolling deep zones, defensive backs are vital to any championship-caliber team.
And when it comes to producing elite DBs, two powerhouse programs stand tall: Ohio State and USC. These college football juggernauts have a long history of developing shutdown corners and future Pro Bowl safeties, dominating the NFL Draft leaderboards year after year.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Defensive Back Picks?
The top college football programs have produced the most NFL Draft defensive back picks, ranked from the South Carolina Gamecocks to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
T-23. South Carolina Gamecocks: 36 Picks
South Carolina has quietly built a strong tradition in the secondary with picks like Stephon Gilmore and D.J. Swearinger making waves in the NFL.
T-23. Pittsburgh Panthers: 36 Picks
The Panthers boast a tough, gritty style on defense, producing DBs like Darrelle Revis, who became one of the league’s all-time great shutdown corners.
T-23. Michigan State Spartans: 36 Picks
The “No Fly Zone” era helped boost Michigan State’s DB legacy, with names like Trae Waynes and Darqueze Dennard leading the charge.
T-22. Washington Huskies: 37 Picks
Washington’s recent rise on defense has spotlighted talents like Budda Baker and Sidney Jones, who carried their college success to the pros.
21. Penn State Nittany Lions: 38 Picks
Linebacker U doesn’t shy away from producing elite DBs, too. Adrian Amos and Kim Herring are just two examples of the Nittany Lions’ talent in the secondary.
T-19. Virginia Tech Hokies: 39 Picks
The Hokies’ “Beamer Ball” legacy thrived on defense and special teams, producing top-tier DBs like DeAngelo Hall and Kam Chancellor.
T-19. Texas A&M Aggies: 39 Picks
From Kevin Smith to Justin Evans, Texas A&M has developed speedy, aggressive defensive backs built for the modern NFL.
18. UCLA Bruins: 40 Picks
UCLA has consistently developed athletic and smart DBs, including Carnell Lake and Alterraun Verner, who went on to successful pro careers.
T-15. Tennessee Volunteers: 41 Picks
Tennessee has sent 41 DBs to the draft, including recent stars like Eric Berry, who became a leader both on and off the field.
T-15. Oregon Ducks: 41 Picks
Speed is the Ducks’ calling card, and defensive backs like Patrick Chung and Jairon Brown fit the mold perfectly at the next level.
T-15. Clemson Tigers: 41 Picks
Clemson’s defensive resurgence has pushed names like A.J. Terrell and Mackenzie Alexander into the draft spotlight.
14. Florida Gators: 46 Picks
Florida is known for its fast, physical defensive backs, including NFL greats Joe Haden, Keanu Neal, and Reggie Nelson.
T-12. Michigan Wolverines: 47 Picks
Michigan’s tradition of physical defense includes DB legends like Charles Woodson, who remains one of the most decorated defenders of all time.
T-12. Georgia Bulldogs: 47 Picks
Georgia continues to dominate with NFL-ready DBs like Champ Bailey, Deandre Baker, and Lewis Cine shining in recent years.
11. Colorado Buffaloes: 48 Picks
Colorado’s DB pipeline includes legendary names like Chris Hudson and Deon Figures, and recent standout Chidobe Awuzie.
10. Florida State Seminoles: 49 Picks
The ‘Noles have long been known for elite athletes in the secondary. Jalen Ramsey, Derwin James, and Antonio Cromartie headline an elite list of NFL talent.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers: 50 Picks
Nebraska has sent 50 defensive backs to the NFL, including Mike Brown and Prince Amukamara, who made significant pro contributions.
T-7. Texas Longhorns: 52 Picks
The Longhorns have produced hard-hitting safeties and rangy corners, such as Earl Thomas and Quentin Jammer, who excelled in the NFL.
T-7. Oklahoma Sooners: 52 Picks
Oklahoma has sent 52 DBs to the NFL, including elite playmakers like Roy Williams and Dominique Franks, who brought swagger and strength to the secondary.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide: 53 Picks
Nick Saban’s focus on defensive backs has paid off big-time. Stars like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Marlon Humphrey, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix came out of Tuscaloosa.
5. Miami Hurricanes: 54 Picks
“The U” built a dynasty behind fierce defenses, with DBs like Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, and Antrel Rolle helping cement their NFL legacy.
T-3. LSU Tigers: 56 Picks
LSU is widely known as DBU, thanks to playmakers like Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, and Jamal Adams dominating in the pros.
T-3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 56 Picks
Notre Dame’s legacy of discipline and football IQ has translated into NFL-ready DBs like Harrison Smith and Jeff Burris.
KEEP READING: Best QB Picks From Every Round in NFL Draft History, Featuring Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady
2. USC Trojans: 62 Picks
The Trojans are loaded with defensive back success stories. Ronnie Lott, Troy Polamalu, and Adoree Jackson wore the Cardinal and Gold before reaching NFL stardom.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes: 65 Picks
Ohio State leads the way with 65 NFL Draft defensive back picks. The Buckeyes’ DB factory includes Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker, Denzel Ward, and Shaun Wade, showcasing a legacy built on elite speed, technique, and swagger.
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