CU's slide reflected in NFL Draft decline

Putting a bow on the NFL Draft, here's a quick University of Colorado note.
CU's recent downturn in fortune -- no bowl appearances or winning seasons over the last six seasons (2008-13) -- is mirrored in its draft fortunes of late. During the corresponding span -- the 2009-14 drafts -- the Buffs only have had 10 total players selected, with only two first-round picks (OT Nate Solder and CB Jimmy Smith in 2011) and three overall in the top three rounds over that span.
WR Paul Richardson was the latest -- and the lone CU pick in last week's draft -- going in the second round to the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks.
Compare that with the Buffs' 23-season run of success from 1985-2007, which featured 18 bowl berths and only five losing seasons.
In the corresponding 23 drafts (1986-08), 90 total CU players were selected -- roughly four per draft -- with 11 first-round picks and 29 total selections in the top three rounds.
Times have most definitely changed -- and not for the better -- in Boulder.