LSU Tigers

How dominant has the SEC been over the past 15 years on draft day?

Published Feb. 22, 2016 4:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

As the 2016 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, it seems prudent to look back at the recent history of the conferences. As many have said, history has a way of invariably repeating itself. In the case of the SEC, statistics strongly back this claim.

Over the past decade (dating back to 2006), the SEC has reeled off a nine-year run in which it's had the most draftees of any conference.

Of the programs within the SEC, Georgia leads all teams with an eye-popping 90 players drafted since the year 2000. LSU narrowly trails with 88 -- followed by Florida (85), Alabama (79), and Tennessee (70).

When looking at the last five years (back to 2011), the SEC has 49 first-round picks. The ACC and the Pac-12 come in as having the second and third most, with 25 and 23, respectively. Without question, NFL franchises have seemingly taken a liking to prospects hailing from the 14-team league.

With the likes of Vernon Hargreaves III, Laremy Tunsil, Reggie Ragland, Hunter Henry, A'Shawn Robinson, and a host of others ready to join their peers on the professional ranks, this trend of first-round picks figures to continue for yet another season.

The intricate nature of the scouting departments states that the NFL will more often than not find any and all talent ready to play on the professional level -- regardless of whichever conference one may come from.

However, when looking at the general scope of things, one's best bet in making it as an NFL player may be competing in the SEC. Statistical data certainly backs that theory up considerably.