D2 and D3 Players in the NFL Today

By Jason Bolton May 25, 2023 15:50

An In-Depth Look at D2 and D3 Players in the NFL Today

So, when one talks of drafting players for the NFL; in that case most people think that only Division 1 (D1) is eligible to be picked. But, nothing could be further from the fact. Plenty of D2 and D3 guys make it to the league. Today, let's examine those who played at the D2 or D3 level in this article.

First of all, let us discuss the numbers. Only about 70 total former D2 and D3 players even play in the NFL season. Players of this caliber are sought after, which is a reflection of the level they play and how talented they are while on the field. In addition to over 40 other D2 players in the NFL as of 2022, Ferris State University currently produces more professional football talent per capita than any program besides Prairie View A&M. On the other hand, only six players went from D3 to the NFL.

So what separates the D2 and D3 players? First of all, they come with that chip on their shoulder after being overlooked by the bigger schools and programs. However, this puts a fire in their belly and they take it onto the field wanting to prove everyone wrong. Additionally, D2 & D3 guys are more talented and capable of playing in the NFL than you might think.

Nonetheless, it is no easy road to the NFL for D2 and D3 players. This starts in high school where 1 million+ football players are vying for just 300 NFL spots annually. Players then have to put in the work to make sure they get noticed. As a college alternative, the NFL partners with the NCAA to communicate data about underclassmen regarding draft projections and compliance so students remain in school, and work on life balance. The idea is that it gives student-athletes a chance to grow as people and not just into professional athletes.

As we know, when it comes to the NFL draft, D2 and D3 players are often either not drafted at all or taken in later rounds. This is not to imply that these players are any less skilled than their D1 counterparts. One of the most common reasons is just no exposure or clout. However, despite this level of competition on the field or court, once they get to an NFL team D2 and D3 players can indeed prove as successful in well-rounded life after collegiate sports as most elite-level Blue Bloods.

For D2 and D3 players trying to make a shot in the NFL, one way for them to get noticed is by putting up a highlight video of their great play on tape. It seems like this should be brief mostly to show the player doing what he does best on Friday nights. The quality of the footage matters as well and can show off how good (or bad) a player someone is. Also, these kids should make sure they add different types of plays in their highlight tape to show off what else they can do.

When you want to have a video that stands out, music is also key. Players must use their music cleverly, by selecting tracks that help work with the style of the player as well as for making a more legitimate video. Ultimately, the video must remain professional and ensure no distractions or added shiny objects that detract from the player on display.

Today, there are plenty of success stories in the NFL with D2 and D3 players. Former St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, for example, was undrafted out of college and played in the Arena Football League before landing in the NFL. In the case of Adam Vinatieri, Blake Robbe Geertz wrote that he also went to play at SDSU before going on a great NFL career.

Ultimately, D2 and D3 players are very much a part of the NFL today. These guys often have some sort of ability and skill set that causes them to be useful NFL players. If they put in the work and find those plays that light up a highlight reel, former and future D-II and D-III players can with an assist from MaxPreps' biggest platform for high school football highlights make it to the NFL too. So in the future, when you are watching an NFL game, pay attention to a D2 and/or D3 player as they might just leave you amazed.