Insider notes on Dak Prescott's former school Mississippi State's NFL Draft class for 2025: Ethan Miner, Kelly Akharaiyi, and more

Mississippi State
Mississippi State's NFL Draft class for 2025 (Picture Credits: Mississippi State/ Instagram)

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.

Ethan Miner - Source: Imagn
Ethan Miner - Source: Imagn

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.

Kelly Akharaiyi - Source: Imagn
Kelly Akharaiyi - Source: Imagn

Mississippi State 2025 NFL Draft projections by Tony Pauline

NFL Prospects from Mississippi State

Grade

Rnd

Pos

Full Name

Yr

#

3.16

FA

C

Ethan Miner

6Sr

67

3.05

FA

WR

Kelly Akharaiyi

5Sr

1

3.02

FA

QB

Blake Shapen

5Sr

2

2.85

FA

C

Marlon Martinez

5Sr

77

2.80

FA

WR

Jaden Walley

4Sr

11

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.

Jeffery Simmons - Source: Imagn
Jeffery Simmons - Source: Imagn

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.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Source: Imagn
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Source: Imagn

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.

Also Read: Insider notes on Miami Hurricanes' transfer portal led NFL Draft class for 2025

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Edited by Rishabh Vanwani
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