The “SEC bias” argument against the conference’s domination in the recruiting rankings is rather flimsy.

If the incoming signees are perpetually overrated, how come the SEC produces so many high NFL draft picks?

Nine of the 14 conference members have produced at least one No. 1 overall pick — even Vanderbilt, with QB Bill Wade (1952). Missouri is the only current SEC school that has never accounted for at least a No. 2 overall pick.

Auburn and Georgia have each produced four No. 1 overall selections in the NFL draft, which started in 1936.

Texas A&M fans aren’t exactly chanting “we’re No. 2!” but the Aggies have matriculated five different players drafted at No. 2 overall, including Luke Joeckel and Von Miller within the last five drafts.

Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil may be the only SEC player in this year’s draft capable of adding himself to the list, as he’s one of the players who could get selected No. 1 overall.

Here is the highest-ever draft pick for all 14 SEC programs.

TEAM POS./PLAYER YEAR PICK
Alabama HB Harry Gilmer 1948 No. 1
Arkansas QB Lamar McHan 1954 No. 2
Auburn QB Cam Newton
LB Aundray Bruce
RB Bo Jackson
RB Tucker Frederickson		 2011
1988
1986
1965		 No. 1
Florida HB Paul Duhart 1945 No. 2
Georgia QB Matthew Stafford
E Harry Babcock
HB Charley Trippi
RB Frank Sinkwich		 2009
1953
1945
1943		 No. 1
Kentucky QB Tim Couch 1999 No. 1
LSU QB JaMarcus Russell
RB Billy Cannon		 2007
1960		 No. 1
Mississippi State OLB Johnie Cooks 1982 No. 2
Missouri DE Justin Smith
OT Russ Washington		 2001
1968		 No. 4
Ole Miss QB Eli Manning 2004 No. 1
South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney
RB George Rogers		 2014
1981		 No. 1
Tennessee QB Peyton Manning
TB George Kafego		 1998
1940		 No. 1
Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel
OLB Von Miller
LB Quentin Coryatt
HB John David Crow
FB John Kimbrough		 2013
2011
1992
1958
1941		 No. 2
Vanderbilt QB Bill Wade 1952 No. 1