Advertisement

Purdue football's Jalen Graham drafted by San Francisco 49ers in 2023 NFL draft

WEST LAFAYETTE − Make it five Purdue Boilermakers taken in the 2023 NFL draft.

Jalen Graham was a late pick Saturday.

The four-year starting safety/linebacker at Purdue was taken by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round with the 255th overall pick.

Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Purdue linebacker Jalen Graham (LB08) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Purdue linebacker Jalen Graham (LB08) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

He joins Charlie Jones, Aidan O'Connell, Payne Durham and Cory Trice as Purdue players selected during Saturday's final day of the NFL draft.

Graham goes to the NFL after having racked up 169 career tackles at Purdue, including 118 solo stops.

Graham had three interceptions over the past two seasons, taking two of them back for touchdowns, though one was called back for excessive celebration. He also had 12.5 career tackles for loss and two sacks.

ADVERTISEMENT

Purdue's five draft picks are the most since nine were selected in the 2004 draft.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football's Jalen Graham drafted by San Francisco 49ers