Pair of Mississippi State Football Stars Selected in ESPN's Latest 7-Round Mock Draft

We're one month away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. Earlier this month, four former Mississippi State football players went to Indianapolis to participate in the 2024 NFL Combine, showcasing their skills to NFL scouts. They got the same opportunity this week at Mississippi State's Pro Day.

With the draft just around the corner, more extensive mock drafts have begun to be released. It's unlikely that Mississippi State sees any players taken early in this year's draft, but a few Bulldogs could hear their names called in the later rounds.

So who is currently projected to be drafted, and where will they go?

Mississippi State football players in ESPN's 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft

Wednesday, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller released his first 7-round mock draft for the 2024 NFL Draft. In his mock draft, Miller projects two Mississippi State football players to be selected. Miller has both cornerback Decamerion Richardson and linebacker Nathaniel "Bookie" Watson being taken in the sixth round of the draft.

Miller has Decamerion Richardson going 198th overall to the Miami Dolphins. Richardson is an intriguing NFL prospect. He has great size for a corner, and his speed wowed at the Combine. But he wasn't overly productive during his time at Mississippi State and is likely seen as a project pick at the next level.

Miller projects Nathaniel Watson to be taken just a few picks later at 206th by the Cleveland Browns (though a hypothetical trade with Baltimore). Watson is somewhat of an inverse prospect to Richardson. His production in college was off the charts, but his physical tools create limitations to his game. Still, a player who shined as much as he did in the SEC is worthy of being drafted.

Which Mississippi State football players could also be in the draft conversation?

Though Matt Miller currently only sees two Bulldogs being taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, there are a few more who could potentially be taken. Defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy and wide receiver Tulu Griffin were both invited to the the NFL Combine.

Crumedy has the build of a big time defensive lineman and is a fantastic run-stopper. Griffin is an explosive play-maker who can make it as a kick returner and be a factor as a slot receiver.

And then there's Bookie Watson's running-mate, Jett Johnson. Johnson is coming off a great career in Starkville where he racked up tackles at an outstanding rate as the co-leader of the defense. It's most likely his chance at the NFL would come as an undrafted free agent, but he was enough of a gamer during his time at State that a late-round selection isn't out of the question.

Regardless of who get's taken, Mississippi State should have a player drafted for the 15th-straight season in 2024.