Mississippi State 2025 NFL Draft prospects: An early look at which players may be picked

The 2024 NFL Draft was an odd one for Mississippi State football.

It could be deemed successful based on volume. The Bulldogs had three players selected − cornerback Decamerion Richardson, defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy and linebacker Nathaniel Watson − marking the highest total for the program since 2020 when five players were taken.

However, the class could also been seen as underwhelming. For the first time since 2021, Mississippi State didn’t have a player taken until the final day. In each of the last two drafts, MSU had a prospect go in the first round.

Mississippi State’s representation in the 2025 NFL Draft could be similar to this year’s. The Bulldogs don’t appear to have any sure-fire early picks entering coach Jeff Lebby’s first season.

However, with his offense – which has proven to be successful at various stops as an offensive coordinator, including Ole Miss and Oklahoma – players could have standout seasons and emerge as potential pro candidates.

Here’s a look at three possible NFL Draft selections for the Bulldogs in 2025.

Kelly Akharaiyi, wide receiver, fifth-year

Akharaiyi was among State’s top portal additions this past offseason. He posted 1,033 receiving yards last season at UTEP and averaged 21.52 yards per catch which ranked fourth nationally.

At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he has the size to be a pro prospect. LSU’s Malik Nabers was a top-10 pick at 6-foot, 200.

However, Akharaiyi hasn’t played at the highest level of competition in his collegiate career. If he can emerge as a quality No. 1 receiver in the SEC, his stock will rise. In Lebby’s offense, Marvin Mims (Oklahoma) and Elijah Moore (Ole Miss) thrived and were drafted. Akharaiyi could add to the list.

Ethan Miner, center, sixth-year

The last two times 10 or more centers were taken in a single draft, seven or fewer were picked the following year.

This year, 12 were taken – the most since 1985. For Miner, who enters his first and final season after transferring from North Texas, that might not be a promising sign.

However, his play at the non-power conference level suggests a strong year in the SEC could help his stock. He’s 6-2, 305 pounds and was the No. 3-graded center in the nation last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

KEEP UP:Mississippi State undrafted free agents tracker

Justin Ball, tight end, sixth-year

Of the 12 tight ends taken in this year’s draft, only three can match the 6-6 frame of Mississippi State’s Justin Ball. However, to hear his name called next year, Ball will need to increase his production.

He transferred to MSU this offseason after five years at Vanderbilt in which he had 204 receiving yards, but he emerged as a top target in Lebby’s offense during MSU’s spring game.

If his two touchdown catches in that exhibition suggest he’ll had a breakout year, perhaps a team will view that, combined with his size, as worthy of a late-round pick.

Mississippi State NFL Draft picks 2024

• Round 4, Pick 112: Decamerion Richardson, CB, Las Vegas Raiders
• Round 6, Pick 200: Jaden Crumedy, DL, Carolina Panthers
• Round 6, Pick 206: Nathaniel Watson, LB, Cleveland Browns

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.