For the last 10 years or so UCLA has had some really bad football and really bad talent on the field, but that has changed the last two years with Jim More leading the Bruins. You can really take a look at the NFL players out of UCLA currently in the NFL to see just how bad the talent has been. Besides for one obvious player, the Bruins have not produced much NFL talent. With that being said, lets take a look at the three best UCLA football alumni in the NFL right now.
Top 3 UCLA Bruins Alumni Currently in the NFL
3. Alterraun Verner, DB, Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The four-year vet enjoyed two straight solid seasons for the Tennessee Titans that earned him a nice free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneerss. During his college career with the Bruins, Verner earned Pac-10 Co-Freshman of the Year, First and Second-team All-Pac-10 honors, as well, as being named a Rivals.com All-American. After being drafted in the fourth round, 104th overall, by the Tennessee Titans, Verner had his best pro season in 2013. He was the AFC interceptions co-leader, with 5, and went on to be named a Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler for the first time in his career. Fresh off a nice payday, Alterraun Verner will look to continue to make the Bruin family proud.
2. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
The eight-year veteran left the UCLA campus for the NFL in 2006 and has enjoyed a very steady career for the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his college career, Lewis earned a consensus All-American nod, was named All-Pac-10, and wont the John Mackey Award as the nations best TE. He was the first round draft pick, 28th overall, of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2006 draft. Lewis has been the definition of consistent during his NFL career and because of that currently sits third on the all-time receiving yards list in Jaguars history. He is also a one time Pro-Bowler and holds the Jaguars single-season receiving touchdown record. Probably not the career Lewis expected, but still a solid career the former UCLA Bruin should be proud of.
1. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders
Standing at just 5’7”, MJD has had one of the better eight-year runs a RB has had. Jones-Drew enjoyed a solid college career at UCLA that saw him earn First-team All-Pac-10 and Unanimous All-American honors in 2005. He also still holds the NCAA record for punt return average in a season. Jones-Drew was drafted, along with UCLA teammate Marcedes Lewis, in the 2006 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. MJD has gone on to have a very successful NFL career. He holds the Jaguars career rushing touchdown record, the most rushing touchdowns in a single season, and most rushing yards in a single season. He sits second on the all-time rushing list and fourth on the all time receiving list. A three-time All-Pro and Pro-Bowler, Jones-Drew has been the best Bruin in the NFL since Troy Aikman. He will look to continue his stellar career with a new team, the Oakland Raiders, in 2014.
Some other players, like Detroit Lions TE Joseph Fauria, and incoming rookies, Vikings LB Anthony Barr and Texans Guard Xavier Su’a-Filo, give UCLA some hope that they can start to make more of a mark on the NFL. Also, in next years draft the Bruins could have players drafted with some top picks, so look out for future Bruins in the NFL.
What do you say UCLA fans? Is someone missing? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
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