Two Former Texas A&M Football Players on NFL All-Rookie Team

Despite No Players Drafted in First Two Rounds, Texas A&M Football Places Two on All-Rookie Team

Texas A&M football hasn't been a premier program when it comes to the NFL draft over the last couple of season. The Aggies have placed many players in the NFL recently who have excelled, but for whatever reason, they are usually not very heralded at draft time.

A couple of players who were absolutely vital to last year's team, and ones that many Aggie fans anticipated going in the higher rounds due to their very evident skill, were Antonio Johnson and Devon Achane. Johnson was a do-it-all player for the Aggie secondary with great size and cover skills, excelling as a nickel in both Elko and Durkin's schemes. Achane, though diminutive, was both a burner and a tough-minded player who was right at home running between the tackles. His final collegiate game, a 38-carry, 215-yard, 2-touchdown performance against LSU, showcased his talents well.

Despite this, neither player was selected in a high round in the draft. This was kind of understandable in the case of Achane; a player small in statute who plays a position stripped of much of its draft value in recent years isn't one you expect to go in the top 10. Johnson, however, was mysteriously selected even lower, in the 5th round.

Undeterred, however, each went on to have great rookie seasons. In the case of Achane, his was good enough to merit consideration for the NFL Rookie of the Year award, which you might expect when you do something that hasn't been done in the league for nearly 100 years.

In another indication of the value they've brought to the league, both Achane and Antonio Johnson have now been named to the NFL All-Rookie team.

Alabama placed four players on the All-Rookie team, while Iowa and Oklahoma joined the Aggies with two players each on the list. Congratulations to both Devon and Antonio on stellar first seasons in the league!