By SuperWest Sports Staff
Washington State boasts a rich football legacy, with 419 players from its high schools gracing the NFL. These athletes hail from 169 different schools across the state.
This remarkable number is poised to grow as recently drafted players make their professional debuts this fall.
Nationally, Washington ranks 24th for producing NFL talent, securing the second-best spot among Western states.
many of these athletes honed their skills in the West, playing college ball in conferences like the Pac-12, Mountain West, and Big Sky, along with Power 5 schools now in the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.
Gonzaga Prep leads the state with 13 NFL alumni, including one currently active player. J.M. Weatherwax follows with 10, and Lincoln and Garfield have each produced nine NFL players.
Explore the list of top Washington high schools below to see their player counts and ranks. Click on each school to view its NFL alumni.
Top Washington High Schools for NFL Talent
Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com
What are your thoughts on WashingtonS impact on the NFL? Share your favorite Washington-bred players in the comments below!
Which state has produced the most NFL draft picks between 2020-2024 based on the provided data?
Table of Contents
- 1. Which state has produced the most NFL draft picks between 2020-2024 based on the provided data?
- 2. NFL Pipeline schools: A State-by-State Ranking
- 3. Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s Dominance
- 4. california: West Coast Powerhouse
- 5. Florida: Sunshine state Stars
- 6. Georgia: Rising SEC Contender
- 7. Louisiana: Bayou Football Tradition
- 8. Ohio: the Birthplace of Football Legends
- 9. Pennsylvania: Eastern Conference strength
- 10. Texas: Lone Star State Talent
- 11. Oklahoma: Big 12 Breeding Ground
NFL Pipeline schools: A State-by-State Ranking
Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s Dominance
Alabama consistently ranks as a top producer of NFL talent. The university of Alabama has sent a staggering number of players to the professional ranks, particularly in recent years.
Key programs: university of Alabama, Auburn University
Recent NFL Draft Picks (2020-2024): Over 50
Notable NFL Alumni: Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith.
Focus: power running, dominant defensive lines, and pro-style passing offenses.
california: West Coast Powerhouse
California boasts a wealth of athletic talent and several universities that consistently feed players into the NFL draft. The state’s warm climate allows for year-round training, contributing to the high level of competition.
Key Programs: USC, UCLA, Stanford, California (Cal)
Recent NFL Draft Picks (2020-2024): Over 45
Notable NFL Alumni: Aaron Rodgers, Reggie Bush, Clay Matthews.
Focus: Speed, athleticism, and innovative offensive schemes.
Florida: Sunshine state Stars
Florida is a hotbed for football, with a strong high school football culture that translates to success at the collegiate level. The state’s universities are consistently represented in the NFL.
Key Programs: University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Miami
Recent NFL Draft picks (2020-2024): Over 60
Notable NFL Alumni: Emmitt Smith, warren Sapp, Patrick Mahomes (Texas native, developed in Florida).
Focus: Athleticism, speed, and aggressive defensive play.
Georgia: Rising SEC Contender
Georgia has rapidly emerged as a premier football recruiting destination, and its NFL pipeline is reflecting that success. The Bulldogs’ recent championship wins have further elevated their profile.
Key Programs: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech
Recent NFL Draft Picks (2020-2024): Over 40
Notable NFL Alumni: Matthew Stafford, Champ Bailey, A.J. Green.
Focus: Physicality, strong running game, and a developing passing attack.
Louisiana: Bayou Football Tradition
Louisiana’s deep-rooted football tradition produces tough, resilient players who are well-prepared for the NFL’s physical demands.
Key Programs: LSU, Tulane
Recent NFL Draft Picks (2020-2024): Over 30
Notable NFL Alumni: Joe Burrow, Odell Beckham jr., Tyrann Mathieu.
Focus: Passion, physicality, and a strong running game.
Ohio: the Birthplace of Football Legends
Ohio has a long and storied history of producing NFL stars. The state’s passionate fan base and competitive high school football scene contribute to its success.
Key Programs: Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati
Recent NFL Draft picks (2020-2024): Over 40
Notable NFL Alumni: Archie Griffin, Cris Carter, Joey Bosa.
Focus: Strong offensive lines, powerful running games, and tenacious defenses.
Pennsylvania: Eastern Conference strength
Pennsylvania consistently sends a steady stream of players to the professional football league. The state’s universities offer a blend of academic rigor and athletic excellence.
Key Programs: Penn State University,University of pittsburgh
Recent NFL Draft Picks (2020-2024): Over 30
Notable NFL Alumni: Franco Harris,Dan Marino,Aaron Donald.
Focus: Physicality, strong line play, and disciplined defense.
Texas: Lone Star State Talent
Texas is renowned for its high school football, and that talent pipeline extends to its universities.The state consistently produces top-tier NFL prospects.
Key Programs: University of Texas, Texas A&M University, TCU
Recent NFL Draft Picks (2020-2024): Over 65
Notable NFL Alumni: Earl Campbell, LaDainian Tomlinson, Patrick Mahomes.
Focus: Athleticism, speed, and a high-powered offensive approach.
Oklahoma: Big 12 Breeding Ground
Oklahoma has become