Mississippi State and interstate rival Mississippi are two programs headed in opposite directions. While the Rebels boast a roster filled with NFL prospects, Mississippi State may not have a single player drafted next year.
Mississippi State NFL Draft 2025 Preview
#1 Ethan Miner
Ethan Miner is one player who could sneak into the last round of the draft. The sixth-year transfer from North Texas is a gritty, tough blocker who gets the most from his ability.
Yet measuring under 6-foot-2 and not being a great athlete, he won’t fit the size/speed metrics teams want in the final rounds.
#2 Kelly Akharaiyi
Kelly Akharaiyi is a slower-possession receiver with reliable hands. He’ll have to add the element of return specialist if he’s to slide into Day 3 of the draft.
Mississippi State 2025 NFL Draft projections by Tony Pauline
Some top NFL Draft selections from Mississippi State in previous years
#1 Jeffery Simmons (1st round pick in 2019 NFL draft)
One of the top Mississippi State NFL draft picks was DT Jeffery Simmons. He played for the Bulldogs for three seasons and recorded 163 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and seven points defended.
One interesting fact about Jeffery Simmons was that he tore his ACL while training for the NFL draft. Despite this, the Tennessee Titans brought him in as the 19th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
#2 Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (CB)
Another recent top draft pick from the Bulldogs was cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. He was drafted as the 16th overall pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Forbes played three seasons with Mississippi State while recording a total of 150 tackles and 14 interceptions. He was honored as a consensus All-American during the 2022 season.
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