According to the Journal Gazette and Times-Courier, Eastern Illinois offensive tackle Chris Campbell represents the school's best chance to have a player drafted by an NFL team this year.

If drafted, Campbell would break a 10-year draft drought for the Panthers, as the last player from the school to be selected in the NFL Draft was defensive back Chris Watson, a third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 1999 who would intercept a pair of passes during a four-year career with the Broncos and Buffalo Bills.

Of course, the most famous EIU football alum is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, a three-time Pro Bowler who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Romo's #17 was retired by the university upon Romo's induction into EIU's Hall of Fame last October. Former Panthers' linebacker Pierre Walters posted one tackle in three games for the Kansas City Chiefs, who had signed him as an undrafted free agent last May.

Campbell met with the Seattle Seahawks this week, and has visits lined up with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons. The 6-5, 328-pound guard/tackle prospect was not invited to the Combine, but posted the following numbers during his Pro Day on March 4:

40-yard dash: 5.28 seconds
20-yard dash: 3.02 seconds
10-yard dash: 1.78 seconds
Vertical jump: 26.5"
Broad jump: 8'00"
20-yard shuttle: 4.14 seconds
3-cone drill: 8.08 seconds
Bench press: 14 reps (225 pounds)