In the world of NFL Draft history, West Virginia University has consistently been a source of hidden gems, producing talented players who are often overlooked in the draft but excel in the professional ranks. With the 2024 NFL Draft approaching quickly, let’s explore some of these former Mountaineers as we gear up for this Thursday’s first round.
Honorable Mention: Dante Stills (Selected in the 6th Round, 36th Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft)
While Dante Stills hasn’t yet made the final top five list due to his early career stage, his achievements in his rookie season deserve recognition. Hailing from Fairmont, West Virginia, and following in the footsteps of his father, former NFL Pro Bowler Gary Stills, Dante was drafted last season after a standout collegiate career. At West Virginia University, he anchored the defensive line for four seasons, earning multiple all-conference honors and recognition as a preseason All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 in his senior year.
In his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals, Dante Stills quickly demonstrated his impact, starting in eight games and appearing in 15. He amassed 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks, showcasing his potential as a formidable force on the defensive line in the NFL.
1. Marc Bulger (Selected in the 6th Round, 2nd Pick in the 2000 NFL Draft)
Marc Bulger had a modest college career at West Virginia University, where he was a multi-year starter but not highly regarded. However, he exceeded expectations in the NFL after being drafted in the sixth round by the New Orleans Saints in 2000. He later found success with the St. Louis Rams, earning two Pro Bowl selections and twice being named the team’s MVP. Bulger spent nine of his eleven NFL seasons with the Rams, accumulating over 22,000 passing yards and 122 touchdowns while leading the team to two playoff appearances.
2. Pat McAfee (Selected in the 7th Round, 13th Pick in the 2009 NFL Draft)
Pat McAfee was a standout specialist at West Virginia University, where he was a four-year starter and a finalist for multiple awards, including the Lou Groza Award and the Ray Guy Award. Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, McAfee became a day-one starter and played a key role in the team’s special teams unit. He was named to the 2009 NFL All-Rookie Team and went on to have a successful career, helping the Colts to five postseason appearances, earning two Pro Bowl selections, and being named First Team All-Pro in 2014. McAfee is regarded as one of the league’s premier specialists.
3. Harry Clarke (Round 13, Pick 7: 1940 NFL Draft)
Harry “Flash” Clarke was a standout for the West Virginia Mountaineers and later became an NFL star, leaving a lasting legacy in WVU football history. Despite playing in an era of college football different from today’s, Clarke’s achievements are still celebrated.
Nicknamed “Flash” for his speed and agility, Clarke set records at WVU, including a team record of 921 rushing yards in the 1938 season. His contributions led to his induction into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
In the NFL, Clarke was drafted in the 13th round, 117th overall, during a time when the league had fewer teams and more rounds. He made an immediate impact with the Chicago Bears, helping them win the 1940 NFL Championship with 258 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. Clarke went on to win two more NFL Championships with the Bears in 1941 and 1943, earning Pro Bowl honors twice and First-Team All-Pro recognition in 1943.
Clarke’s football career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the Navy in 1943, but he returned to play in the All-American Football Conference from 1946 to 1948.
4. Ryan Mundy (Selected in the 6th Round, 28th Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft)
Ryan Mundy had a significant impact during his one season at West Virginia University, recording impressive stats and helping the team. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he went on to play six seasons in the NFL, with stints also at the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears. Mundy was part of the Steelers’ Super Bowl XLIII-winning team, earning a ring as a practice squad member. Throughout his NFL career, Mundy started 30 games, appeared in 96, and amassed 311 tackles, six interceptions, and four fumble recoveries.
5. Colton McKivitz (Selected in the 5th Round, 7th Pick in the 2020 NFL Draft)
Colton McKivitz was a key player on the West Virginia University offensive line for four years, earning accolades such as first-team All-Big 12 Conference, Big 12 co-Offensive Lineman of the Year, and multiple All-American honors during his senior season. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, McKivitz has been a valuable asset to the team, appearing in 45 games with 22 starts. He played a crucial role in the 49ers’ 2023 season, starting in all 17 regular-season games and three postseason games. McKivitz helped lead the 49ers’ rushing attack, which ranked third in rushing yards per game and tied for the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL.
