The 2024 NFL Draft begins tonight with the next wave of college stars having their pro dreams made reality. And Mississippi State football has a few players that are likely to hear their names called over the next few days.
Where do draft experts project those Bulldogs to land? Let's take a look at the latest mock drafts and positional rankings.
For our purposes, we'll use ESPN's positional rankings and the latest seven-round mock drafts from ESPN and The Athletic.
Cornerback Decamerion Richardson
Most outlets see Decamerion Richardson as the best prospect out of Mississippi State this season. His combination of size and speed has teams intrigued with his potential at corner. Still, his lack of production in college has him projected as a mid-round player.
ESPN ranks Richardson as the 16th best CB in the draft and the 123rd best player overall. Their latest mock draft has him going in the 4th Round to Cincinnati with the 115th pick. The Athletic has Richardson being taken in the 5th Round to the Broncos with the 136th pick.
Defensive Tackle Jaden Crumedy
Jaden Crumedy hopes to further Mississippi State's case as "D-Line U". The big run-stopper can play both inside and outside along the defensive line. He's likely to be a late-round selection in the draft.
ESPN rates him as the 20th best defensive tackle and 204th best prospect overall. Interestingly, their latest mock doesn't have him being taken, but that's an outlier compared to most mock drafts. The Athletic has him going in the 6th Round to New England with the 180th overall pick.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson
Nathaniel "Bookie" Watson is a Mississippi State legend. He was a three-year starter for State who finished his career as one of the most productive linebackers in SEC history. Now he's hoping to make it in the NFL.
While most outlets view Decamerion Richardson as MSU's best prospect, ESPN actually rates Watson slightly higher. They have his as the 9th best LB and the 121st best prospect. But like Jaden Crumedy, ESPN's latest seven-round mock draft doesn't have him being selected. Keep in mind that's the work of one analyst who, clearly, is lower on Watson than his peers.
ESPN's lead draft analyst loves him though. Mel Kiper named Bookie his favorite off-ball LB in the draft and believes he will go in the mid-rounds. The Athletic sees him going in the 6th round to Houston, 188th overall.
Wide Receiver Tulu Griffin
Tulu Griffin is the last Bulldog with a realistic shot at being drafted. He's an explosive play-maker that can be deadly in open space off of screens and reverses, and as Mississippi State fans know, he's an elite kick returner. Griffin has a shot to make it at the next level as a special teams star and occasional gadget player on offense.
ESPN rates him as the 34th best WR prospect and 274th overall. As you can imagine, he's not currently projected to be drafted in ESPN's latest mock. But the Athletic does have him being selected. They have him going in the 7th Round to Green Bay with the 245th pick.