While it is easy to believe that most top NFL draft prospects come from elite NCAA D1 programs, this isn’t always the case. Let’s take a deeper look at D2 players who have made it to the NFL, both past and present.

Note: The list will focus on players that made a 53-man roster and not practice squads.

DII Players in the NFL – 2024 Roster Analysis

• Most Represented Positions:
  • Defensive Backs lead with 12 players
  • Wide Receivers follow with 11 players
• Quarterback Presence:
  • Tyson Bagent remains the only DII QB on a roster
  • He posted a 2-2 record as starter last season, first DII QB to start in nearly a decade
• Top DII Programs:
  • Ferris State leads with 3 NFL players:
    • Caleb Murphy (Tennessee)
    • Tavierre Thomas (Tampa Bay)
    • Zach Sieler (Miami) – recorded 10 sacks last season
• Eight schools have 2 players each:
  • CSU Pueblo
  • Fort Hays State
  • Lenoir-Rhyne
  • Missouri Western
  • Pitt State
  • Sioux Falls
  • Washburn
• Team with Most DII Players:
  • Indianapolis Colts:
    • Grover Stewart (Albany State) – 74 starts since 2019
    • Ashton Dulin (Malone)
    • Dallis Flowers (Pitt State)
    • E.J. Speed (Tarleton State) – 102 tackles in 2023
    • Kenny Moore III (Valdosta State) – Former Pro Bowler
• Teams with No DII Players:
  • Denver Broncos
  • Houston Texans
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Philadelphia Eagles (second straight year)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • San Francisco 49ers (second straight year)

List of D2 Players in The NFL – Current