STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football’s shortcomings in the 2024 season are being reflected with the approaching NFL draft.
It’s shaping up to be a quiet three days for the Bulldogs, who went 2-10 and winless in the SEC in coach Jeff Lebby’s first season.
None of the seven-round mock drafts or prospect rankings from experts project a single Bulldog to be drafted April 24-26. Pro Football Focus’ 349-person big board doesn’t rank a single MSU player. There are 257 selections in this year’s draft.
It would be the first time since 2009 that Mississippi State doesn’t have an NFL draft pick.
No Bulldogs were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine for the first time since at least 1999.
These are Mississippi State’s most likely undrafted free agents
ESPN’s 600-player big board only ranks two Mississippi State players: wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi at No. 512 and center Ethan Miner at No. 535.
NFL.com’s prospect database only lists linebacker Stone Blanton. He has a 5.68 grade, which the NFL defines as “candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad.”
The Athletic ranks each prospect by position and lists 10 Mississippi State players. All of them are deemed as free agent prospects:
- Ethan Miner: No. 25 center
- Stone Blanton: No. 41 linebacker
- Marlon Martinez: No. 64 offensive guard
- Kelly Akharaiyi: No. 76 wide receiver
- Justin Ball: No. 78 tight end
- Corey Ellington: No. 129 safety
- Sulaiman Kpaka: No. 138 defensive lineman
- Montre Miller: No. 138 cornerback
- JP Purvis: No. 191 linebacker
- De’Monte Russell: No. 199 defensive end
Akharaiyi, who transferred from UTEP and was third on MSU in receiving with 391 yards and two touchdowns, posted on Instagram that he’s had visits with the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
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