Remember the angst felt around the Big Ten on the night of April 25, 2013?

OK, maybe you weren't nervous. But they were a bit skittish at Big Ten headquarters as the first round of the NFL draft unfolded at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Thirty names were called, none from the Big Ten, which found itself in danger of being excluded from the first round for the first time since 1953. Then, Dallas drafted Wisconsin center Travis Frederick and his prodigious beard at No. 31.

Phew.

The Big Ten shouldn't be nearly as concerned as the 2014 NFL draft approaches next month. In fact, the league could have one of its better first round showings in recent years.

Earlier this week, the NFL announced that 30 players will attend the draft, including five from the Big Ten: Michigan tackle Taylor Lewan, Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby, Minnesota defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman, Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier and Indiana wide receiver Cody Latimer. If you're invited to the draft, your name likely will be called early, if not in the first round then shortly thereafter. Another likely first round prospect, Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard, is choosing to watch the draft from his home in Georgia.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has all six Big Ten players going in the first round in his latest mock draft.

The Big Ten might not dominate the top 10 -- Lewan is the likeliest candidate to hear his name called -- but a strong first-round showing is possible.

Latimer is soaring up the draft boards after a strong pro day at Indiana and additional workouts with teams. Some questioned his decision to skip his final season and enter the draft, but it's looking like a good choice now. I've always loved Latimer's combination of length, leaping ability and speed on the outside. He'll be a good pro.

Shazier is another Big Ten early entrant whose draft stock seems to be surging in recent weeks. Many have the former Buckeyes standout going late in the first round.

One good sign: the group of potential first-rounders includes two cornerbacks and a wide receiver. The Big Ten has struggled to produce elite players at both positions in recent years.

If the list of player invites proves prophetic, the SEC and ACC both will have a sizable presence early on May 8. But after quite possibly the worst draft in Big Ten history, the league should have more to celebrate this time.