The Ragin’ Cajuns could make history with this week’s NFL Draft.
With four draft prospects (offensive lineman Robert Hunt and Kevin Dotson, running back-return specialist Raymond Calais and wide receiver JaMarcus Bradley), the University of Louisiana football team could have a record-setting weekend.
If all four are selected that would set a record for most players drafted in a single draft in Ragin’ Cajuns history. If Hunt (the highest rated prospect) is selected in the first round that would be a first for the Cajuns, and also would supplant Charles “Peanut” Tillman as the highest drafted Cajun ever.
Entering this draft, the highest drafted Cajuns are Tillman (2nd round, 35th overall, 2003), offensive tackle Anthony Clement (2nd round, 36th overall, 1998) and defensive back Orlando Thomas (2nd round, 42nd overall, 1995).
There has been only five years that have seen more than one Ragin’ Cajun player drafted (2018, 2012, 2003, 1989 and 1976). The program record for most draft picks in a single draft is 1989 when the Cajuns had three players selected. Defensive end Chris Gannon (3rd round, 73rd overall), defensive end Mark Hall (7th Round, 169th overall) and defensive back Thomas King (8th Round, 198th overall).
What position has been drafted more than any other? Defensive back. A total of 10 Cajun defensive backs have been selected including the last two draft picks in Tracy Walker and Simeon Thomas in 2018. Defensive end (5) and offensive line (5) are tied for second.
And what NFL franchise has drafted more Cajuns than any other? It is tie between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears with three each since 1970. The New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles-St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikgins and New Orleans Saints are tied for second with two Cajun draft picks a piece.
Below are the Ragin’ Cajuns football players who were drafted into the NFL since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
Ragin’ Cajuns Draft Picks
(1970 to 2019)
2018
Tracy Walker, DB, 3rd Round (82nd overall), Detroit Lions
Simeon Thomas, DB, 6th Round (188th overall), Cleveland Browns
2017
Elijah McGuire, RB, 4th Round (188th overall), New York Jets
2015
Christian Ringo, DE, 6th Round (210th overall), Green Bay Packers
2012
Dwight Bentley, DB, 3rd Round (85th overall), Detroit Lions
Ladarius Green, TE, 4th Round (110th overall), Los Angeles Chargers
2010
Hall Davis, DE, 5th Round (149th overall), St. Louis Rams
2005
C.C. Brown, DB, 6th Round (188th overall), Houston Texans
2003
Charles Tillman, DB, 2nd Round (35th overall), Chicago Bears
Ike Taylor, DB, 4th Round (125th overall), Pittsburgh Steelers
2002
Brad Franklin, DB, 7th Round (258th overall), Carolina Panthers
1999
Brandon Stokley, WR, 4th Round (105th overall), Baltimore Ravens
1998
Anthony Clement, OT, 2nd Round (36th overall), Arizona Cardinals
1996
Keno Hills, OT, 6th Round (179th overall), New Orleans Saints
1995
Orlando Thomas, DB, 2nd Round (42nd overall), Minnesota Vikings
1992
Louis Age, OT, 11th Round (304th overall), Chicago Bears
1991
Todd Scott, DB, 6th Round (163rd overall), Minnesota Vikings
1990
Brian Mitchell, QB, 5th Round (130rd overall), Washington Redskins
1989
Chris Gannon, DE, 3rd Round (73rd overall), New England Patriots
Mark Hall, DE, 7th Round (169th overall), Green Bay Packers
Thomas King, DB, 8th Round (198th overall), Green Bay Packers
1988
R.C. Mullin, OT, 10th Round (258th overall), Los Angeles Rams
1985
Charles Bennett, DE, 7th Round (190th overall), Chicago Bears
1984
*Clarence Vidrine, WR, 3rd Round (83rd overall), Washington Redskins
*Part of the NFL Supplemental Draft of the USFL
1977
Rafael Septien, K, 10th Round (258th overall), New Orleans Saints
1976
Harold Porter, WR, 12th Round (331st overall), Kansas City Chiefs
Keith Muehr, P, 11th Round (293rd overall), Seattle Seahawks
1974
Ken Williams, LB, 15th Round (382nd overall), Buffalo Bills
1972
Louis Age, OG, 14th Round (349th overall), New York Jets