In the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Eastern Michigan University defensive end Jose Ramirez (Lake Alfred, Florida) was taken 196th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Following his former teammates Sidy Sow (Bromont, Quebec) and Chad Ryland’s (Lebanon, Pennsylvania) selection in the fourth round, this year’s draft broke an almost fifty-year run that had never seen two or more Eagles chosen in the same season (1977).
Ramirez arrived to Eastern Michigan as a transfer from Arizona before promptly taking the MAC by storm. He eventually climbed to fifth in program history with 34 tackles for loss and second all-time for most sacks (20.5).
The Florida native turned heads in his final season as an Eagle, leading the team in both quarterback hurries, forced fumbles, sacks and TFLs. His efforts earned national recognition in being named the 2022 MAC Defensive MVP and receiving All-American status.
