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Brian Kelly put out a steady stream of NFL draft picks at the defensive back position in those early years, but those were guys who were already developed by Charlie Weis' staff. Even then, most of those guys were backups at best. The only two i can think of who had extended careers were Robert Blanton and Harrison Smith.

During the Van Gorder years, Keivarae Russell was the only draft pick under that miserable time, and even then, he didn't do anything of note in the pros.

This effect was seen until we finally got some guys who stuck around in the NFL when Clark Lea was the DC (Julian Love, Alohi Gilman).

During Coach Freeman's era as DC and HC, though, we're putting out guys who are drafted in better positions, and look to be NFL stalwarts. Right now, you have Kyle Hamilton and Cam Hart (started 6 games last year) as proven commodities, and Ben Morrison and Xavier Watts about to begin their careers.

Mike Mickens has had a great effect on these guys as well. They're more fundamentally solid, and have better instincts on where to be at what time. Coach Mickens also has a great eye for talent, and when he brings in a 3 star player, you can see how those guys are very much underrated prospects who have plenty of potential (Leonard Moore, for example).

I don't know where Christian Gray will end up, since that will depend on whether or not he recovered from getting shell shocked by the best receiver in all of college football last year (anyone else would probably have had the same fate), but he looks to be NFL material, and if he can stay healthy, Leonard Moore is going to be a NFL guy as well.

It is really an incredible turnaround.

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