Devils in Detail
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The two greatest Arizona State hidden NFL Draft gems since 2000

Which two Sun Devils snuck past NFL teams with early draft picks but went on to have impressive careers in the league?

By Sam Fariss

Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown.
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic, Arizona
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It’s been a while since the Arizona State Sun Devils have seen one of their star players go on to a sensational career in the NFL. However, over the past two decades, there have been some standout players in the league that snuck their way in through later rounds of the NFL Draft.

Since the creation of ASU’s football program, 258 players have been drafted into the league. Most notable was Jake Plummer in 1997 alongside seven fellow Sun Devils.

Over the new millennium, 61 Arizona State players have had their names called during the Draft. Here are the three hidden gems who had to wait patiently to hear their names in later rounds:

Round 5, Pick 139. . 2008 NFL Draft. . Ryan Torain. Ryan Torain. RB. player. 45. Ryan Torain

NFL career stats:

  • Carries: 238
  • Rushing yards: 1,011
  • Receptions: 24
  • Receiving yards: 148
  • Total Touchdowns: 8

Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round, Ryan Torain was the 139th name called in the 2008 NFL Draft. Despite suffering a devastating ACL tear in 2008, Ryan Torain was able to piece together an impressive resume in the NFL. 

Sept 8, 2007; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back (26) Ryan Torain scores a touchdown.
Sept 8, 2007; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back (26) Ryan Torain scores a touchdown. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Over four seasons of on-field action, Torain scored eight total touchdowns, six on the ground and two through the air. With 238 carries, he flew down the field for 1,011 rushing yards and caught 24 pass attempts for an additional 148 yards.

While Torain was plagued by knee injuries and because of them his career was cut short, the former Sun Devil built up an impressive stat sheet over a short time.

. Round 6, Pick 206. 42. Kyle Williams. . 2010 NFL Draft. Kyle Williams. Kyle Williams. WR. player

NFL career stats:

  • Receptions: 47
  • Receiving yards: 574
  • Carries: 8
  • Rushing yards: 76
  • Total touchdowns: 4

Kyle Williams was a standout receiver for the Sun Devils but had to wait until the 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft before he was picked. Williams was selected 206th overall by San Francisco and played four years with the 49ers.

Sadly, the former Arizona State wideout suffered multiple injuries throughout his rookie season and only appeared in five games, earning one reception and eight yards.

Nov 4, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) catches a pass.
Nov 4, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) catches a pass. / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The next three seasons for Williams were a wild improvement from his first year in the league. He averaged more than 12.3 yards per reception and lost the ball just once over three seasons.

With 47 career catches, Williams had 574 yards through the air alongside eight carries for an additional 76 yards.

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