2015 NFL Draft: When Might Michigan State Spartans Get Selected?
By Matt Snyder
Jan 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans receiver Tony Lippett (14) is defended by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Wayne Lyons (2) on a 25-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter in the 100th Rose Bowl. Michigan State defeated Stanford 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Once you get past the top couple of rounds — and the first round specifically — it gets tough to peg exact rounds for any particular player. The various experts agree on general ranges, but a third rounder for one might be a fifth rounder for another.
Walter Football lists a 3rd-5th round projection, though that third round is higher than anyone else. NFL Draft Scout says 4th round. NFL.com had him going in the 4th round (#141 overall) to Washington. ESPN is the low ranking, putting a “late round” grade on Lippett.
Walter Football has an interesting comment, noting that some teams would think about moving him to defense.
"Lippett showed nice route-running and hands for Michigan State. The senior was very improved over his previous seasons, although he didn’t stand out at the Senior Bowl and ran slow at the Combine. Some teams are thinking of moving Lippett to defensive back."
The slower time at the combine could cause Lippett to fall out of the first five rounds, but he showed enough tools at Michigan State as a receiver that someone should be willing to pull the trigger on him in the 4th or 5th round.
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