Mississippi State Football: NFL Preseason debuts for Bulldog rookies

Football season is around the corner, Mississippi State Bulldog fans. As we approach the start of the college football season, I wanted to highlight some of the Bulldog rookies as they prepare to make their NFL debuts. You can check out the week one NFL Preseason schedule here to see where these Bulldogs will begin their journey to NFL glory.

Bulldogs in the NFL

A handful of Mississippi State Bulldogs drafted in the 2021 NFL draft and a host of others who signed on as undrafted free agents. These former beloved Bulldogs have been working hard to make an NFL roster and continue the trend of former Bulldogs performing well on football’s highest level.

Osirus Mitchell

So far, Osirus Mitchell is the only Bulldog who has made his rookie debut in last week’s Hall of Fame Game against the Steelers. Mitchell only received one target in the contest. Mitchell is currently 4th on the depth chart, but the young receiver still has time to beat his competition. The Cowboys’ next preseason game is tomorrow against the Arizona Cardinals.

KJ Costello

The Chargers signed Costello on August 1 after participating in the team’s offseason minicamp. He will battle Easton Stick for the third QB position. Outside of that, I have not been able to find much information on how he is doing in camp.

Hopefully, Costello can hit the field in the Chargers’ preseason debut against the Rams in the Battle of Los Angeles.

Greg Eiland & Dareaun Parker

Former Bulldog blockers Greg Eiland and Dareaun Parker signed with the Seahawks and Bears. Eiland is currently 3rd on the depart at left tackle. Injuries have helped Eiland get more reps this week.

In my opinion, I feel Eiland should move to guard as his lack of mobility allowed defenders to speed rush past him. Seattle opens up the preseason Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Parker is vying for a backup guard spot with the Bears and is currently 3rd on the depth chart. The road to making the Bears roster will be tough, but Parker has been getting plenty of opportunities in practice. The Bears will host the Dolphins on Saturday to open the preseason.

Marcus Murphy, Kobe Jones, & Erroll Thompson

The Falcons have a trio of former Bulldog defenders vying to make their roster.

Marcus Murphy has made a move to cornerback and is currently 4th on the depth chart. I like the move to corner for Murphy as this gives him a chance to show his versatility.

Kobe Jones is trying to make the Falcons at OLB/DE. Jones is a long shot at making the Falcons roster, but he will give the Falcons a versatile player to mold if he can show enough to make the practice squad.

Erroll Thompson is running 3rd team at one of the ILB spots. I feel like Thompson will beat out his competition and earn a roster spot for the Falcons.  The Falcons will host the Titans tomorrow to open the preseason.

Marquis Spencer

Spencer was having a great training camp and earned Rookie of the Day in July. Unfortunately, Spencer was injured a few days ago, which has caused him to fall behind his competition. As he recovers, I feel Spencer will regain the momentum he had before his injury, as he was a welcome surprise to a deep defensive line in Denver. Denver opens the preseason tomorrow at Minnesota.

Kylin Hill

Kylin Hill has quietly and sometimes loudly had a terrific start to training camp with the Green Bay Packers. Hill has shown off his versatility with his ability to evade tacklers, catch the ball, and block. Hill will need to display all three skills consistently to lock down the 3rd RB spot.

Hill made noise in practice by catching a pass, absorbing the helmet popping hit, and scoring a touchdown. Hill received a Hi-Five from Rodgers for his effort.

Check out this video update on Kylin Hill from Packers camp

If Hill can continue to have moments like this, he is a lock to make the Packers roster. The Packers will host the Texans on Saturday.

What are your thoughts on the NFL futures for this year’s crop of Bulldog Rookies?