Mississippi State Football: Bulldog draft streak continues

It was a given that Mississippi State would not have any prospects selected over the first two days of the NFL Draft. After no Bulldogs were drafted in rounds 4-6, it was beginning to look like no Bulldogs would be drafted this year. Lucky for Bulldog fans, the 10 year NFL Draft streak will continue.

Two Bulldogs dreams come true in the 2021 NFL Draft

Two Bulldogs would hear their names called as 7th round picks, and now the work begins to earn roster spots and prove they belong in the NFL. The Denver Broncos selected Marquis Spencer with the 253rd pick, and Kylin Hill was selected three picks later by the Green Bay Packers.

How Marquis Spencer fits in Denver

Marquis Spencer joins a rotation of defensive linemen in Denver with depth but no superstar at the position. The Broncos run the 3-4, so Spencer will line up as a 4 technique DE. Spencer’s quickness should help him as a situational pass rusher for the Broncos behind Dre’Mont Jones.

Spencer could also drop weight and move to the OLB position where Denver has Vonn Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Malik Reed. Spencer’s versatility helps him as he has played DE and OLB in his Bulldog career. Whatever position the Broncos decide to settle in on for Spencer, they have a player that has the skills to contribute to their defense.

How Kylin Hill fits in Green Bay

I don’t want to say I told you so, but I did predict that Kylin Hill would be a Green Bay Packer. I was just three rounds too late. That is all water under the bridge as Kylin Hill will join fellow former Bulldogs Preston Smith, Will Redmond, Elgton Jenkins, and Hunter Bradley.

Green Bay is a good fit for Hill because of the Maroon connection and if Green Bay can keep Aaron Rodgers in town. Rodgers has social media on fire after he confirmed a rift with the Packers. I am assuming Rodgers, the reigning NFL MVP, will be the QB for the Packers when the season starts.

Hill joins a crowded backfield in Green Bay where he will not be counted on right away. The Packers have Aaron Jones, who ran for 1104 yards and 9 touchdowns, and 2020 2nd round pick AJ Dillon. Hill will compete with Dexter Williams, Patrick Taylor, and Mike Weber for the 3rd running back spot.

Hill has the skills that Matt Lafleur looks for in a running back. Aaron Jones is a true dual-threat running back, and Hill has shown the ability in his career to be an exciting runner and pass catcher. Hill’s signature move of hurdling defenders will fit right in with the Lambeau Leap when he scores his first touchdown.

Hill will have to play special teams in Green Bay, and while that is something he did not do at Mississippi State, Hill did return kicks during his high school days. Hill has accomplished his dream of being drafted into the NFL, and now the work begins to prove all the doubters and naysayers wrong.