Now that the NFL Draft is over, it's safe to say that the Aztec players made out pretty well this year.
While ending fourth in the conference last season, four players were drafted from SDSU. This is two more than conference-leading TCU and way ahead of third-place finishers Wyoming, which had none. Boise State led the Mountain West with six draftees. The four draft picks from SDSU are the most they've had since 2008.
Running back Ronnie Hillman was the first Aztec drafted, going to the Denver Broncos in the third round. The final day of the draft saw outside linebacker Miles Burris head to Oakland, quarterback Ryan Lindley picked by Arizona and defensive tackle Jerome Long joining the Chiefs.
Hillman is expected to make a splash for the Broncos with his speed and agility. At 5'9", 200 lbs, Hillman is able to change the pace of the game on his own, finding gaps and creating yardage each time he gets the ball.
With their second pick of the draft, Oakland took the quick and physical Burris. He has the strength, size and speed to fill several positions for the Raiders, whether on defense or on special teams.
The Cardinals wanted to pick up a developmental quarterback this year and Lindley fits the bill. At 6'3", 229 lbs, Lindley was the strongest senior QB prospect, but will need to work on his accuracy. Even as SDSU's all-time leading passer, Lindley will have to work hard this offseason to compete against the three quarterbacks already on Arizona's roster -- Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Richard Bartel.
Long became the first SDSU defensive lineman drafted since 1996 when he was taken in the final round. Kansas City may use him to beef up their reserves, also drafting the highly rated Dontari Poe as a defensive tackle with their first pick in the draft.
Teams are holding rookie minicamps for the next several weeks which may offer opportunities for the Aztecs' undrafted prospects, OT Tommie Draheim, CB Larry Parker and P Brian Stahovich.
