Upcoming Event: Football versus Tulane on September 5, 2026 at TBA
Football
vs Tulane
On This Date: Tomlinson Goes in NFL First Round
4/30/2020 11:22:00 AM | Football
DURHAM, N.C. – On this day in 2015, former Duke offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions as the 28th overall pick.
At the time of his selection, Tomlinson, a 6-3, 330-pound offensive guard from Chicago, Ill., was the highest Blue Devil draft pick since Mike Junkin was a first-round choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1987. He also became just the sixth Duke player to be selected in the first round of the draft and was the first Blue Devil offensive lineman to be chosen in the NFL Draft since Drew Stronjy went in the seventh round to the New York Giants in 2004.
Tomlinson became the Duke's fifth consensus All-America selection in 2014 and was named to eight All-America teams, the most by any player in a year in program history. Tomlinson was a first team selection by the Associated Press and Walter Camp Foundation, a second team honoree by USA Today, Athlon Sports and Sporting News, a third team choice by Phil Steele Magazine and Lindy's and an honorable mention pick by Sports Illustrated.
In 2014, Tomlinson anchored a Duke offensive front which led the ACC in fewest sacks allowed per passing attempt (36.23). A two-time first team All-ACC selection, he served as a team captain in 2014 and helped the Blue Devil offensive unit become the first in school history to average 180-plus rushing yards and 210-plus passing yards per game.
Also that season, Tomlinson was the recipient of the Courage Award presented by the Football Writers Association of America in conjunction with the Orange Bowl, named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team which recognizes community service in addition to academic and athletic achievement, and finished second in the balloting for the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, an honor presented annually to the top blocker in the ACC.
During his career, Tomlinson helped Duke to 28 wins over four seasons, including the 2013 ACC Coastal Division championship and three bowl game appearances (2012 Belk, 2013 Chick-fil-A & 2014 Hyundai Sun). He played in and started 52 games at right guard and was on the field for 3,962 career snaps.
#GoDuke
At the time of his selection, Tomlinson, a 6-3, 330-pound offensive guard from Chicago, Ill., was the highest Blue Devil draft pick since Mike Junkin was a first-round choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1987. He also became just the sixth Duke player to be selected in the first round of the draft and was the first Blue Devil offensive lineman to be chosen in the NFL Draft since Drew Stronjy went in the seventh round to the New York Giants in 2004.
Tomlinson became the Duke's fifth consensus All-America selection in 2014 and was named to eight All-America teams, the most by any player in a year in program history. Tomlinson was a first team selection by the Associated Press and Walter Camp Foundation, a second team honoree by USA Today, Athlon Sports and Sporting News, a third team choice by Phil Steele Magazine and Lindy's and an honorable mention pick by Sports Illustrated.
In 2014, Tomlinson anchored a Duke offensive front which led the ACC in fewest sacks allowed per passing attempt (36.23). A two-time first team All-ACC selection, he served as a team captain in 2014 and helped the Blue Devil offensive unit become the first in school history to average 180-plus rushing yards and 210-plus passing yards per game.
Also that season, Tomlinson was the recipient of the Courage Award presented by the Football Writers Association of America in conjunction with the Orange Bowl, named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team which recognizes community service in addition to academic and athletic achievement, and finished second in the balloting for the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, an honor presented annually to the top blocker in the ACC.
During his career, Tomlinson helped Duke to 28 wins over four seasons, including the 2013 ACC Coastal Division championship and three bowl game appearances (2012 Belk, 2013 Chick-fil-A & 2014 Hyundai Sun). He played in and started 52 games at right guard and was on the field for 3,962 career snaps.
#GoDuke
WESLEY WILLIAMS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Tuesday, March 31
LUKE MERGOTT 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Tuesday, March 31
The Breakout - The Nate Sheppard Story
Tuesday, March 31
ONE TO REMEMBER - Duke vs. Clemson Cinematic Recap
Tuesday, March 31
