Chris Spielman was drafted No. 29 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1988 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. 148 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 74 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #29
- Round
- 2
- Draft class
- 1988
- NFL games
- 148
- Years as starter
- 10
- Career AV
- 747th at Ohio State
- Pro Bowls
- 4
- All-Pro
- 1
The pick
How Chris Spielman came off the board in 1988.
- Position
- Linebacker LB
- College
-
Ohio State
Big Ten at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
148 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 74 career approximate value
- Games played
- 148
- Seasons as a starter
- 10
- Career approximate value
- 747th among Ohio State picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 6284% of career value
- Final season
- 19979 years after the draft
- Accolades
- 1× All-Pro · 4× Pro Bowl
Around pick 29
Who came off the board on either side of Chris Spielman.
LSU
USC
Arizona State · Hall of Fame · 1× All-Pro · 6× Pro Bowl
UNLV
Ohio State in the 1988 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other LB picks from Ohio State
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
Ohio State · 1× All-Pro · 2× Pro Bowl
#15
Ryan Shazier
LB · PIT · 2014
Ohio State · 2× Pro Bowl
#91
Mike Vrabel
LB · PIT · 1997
Ohio State · 1× All-Pro · 1× Pro Bowl
#5
A.J. Hawk
LB · GB · 2006
Ohio State · 1× Pro Bowl
#98
Na'il Diggs
LB · GB · 2000
Ohio State
#35
James Laurinaitis
LB · LAR · 2009
Ohio State
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Chris Spielman in the 1988 NFL Draft
Chris Spielman is a Linebacker out of Ohio State selected No. 29 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1988 NFL Draft. 148 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 74 career approximate value Ohio State has produced 284 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Chris Spielman drafted?
Chris Spielman was selected No. 29 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1988 NFL Draft (Rd 2). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1988/chris-spielman.
What college did Chris Spielman play for?
Chris Spielman played college football at Ohio State in the Big Ten. See every Ohio State draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/ohio-state-buckeyes.
How did Chris Spielman's NFL career turn out?
148 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 74 career approximate value Accolades: 1× All-Pro · 4× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1988/chris-spielman.