The Western Michigan Broncos arrived to the 2023 NFL Draft in the early portion of the sixth round. Outside linebacker Zaire Barnes was selected by the New York Jets with the 184th overall selection, becoming the third player taken directly out of the Mid-American Conference this April.
Barnes’ sixth round selection ensured Western Michigan its third consecutive year of churning out at least one NFL Draft pick. He was the first Bronco linebacker drafted since renowned actor Terry Crews went to the Los Angeles Rams in the 11th round of 1991.
At Western Michigan, Barnes was a two-time All-MAC honoree, receiving Second Team designation in 2021 before upgrading his status to First Team in 2022.