Bulldogs in the NFL: Three Mississippi State Players Selected in 2024 Draft

Three Mississippi State Bulldogs were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, marking the 15th consecutive year that a Bulldog has been drafted into the league.
Bulldogs in the NFL: Three Mississippi State Players Selected in 2024 Draft

Multiple Bulldogs Selected in 2024 NFL Draft

The Mississippi State Bulldogs have continued their impressive streak of producing NFL talent, with three players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. This marks the 15th consecutive year that a Bulldog has been drafted into the league.

The NFL Draft is a crucial step in a player’s journey to the top

Decamerion Richardson, Jaden Crumedy, and Nathaniel Watson were the lucky trio to hear their names called during the draft. Richardson, a cornerback from Cullen, Louisiana, was the first Bulldog taken, selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round. He becomes the third Bulldog ever selected by the Raiders, joining Johnathan Abram (2019) and Gabe Jackson (2014).

“I’m thrilled to see our guys get the opportunity to take their talents to the next level,” said Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaches.”

Crumedy, a defensive lineman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was taken by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round. He becomes just the second Bulldog drafted by Carolina, joining Alvin McKinley Jr., who was selected in 2000.

Watson, the 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round. He becomes the eighth Bulldog drafted by Cleveland and the first since 2022, when the Browns selected Martin Emerson.

Nathaniel Watson, the 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year

In addition to the three drafted players, several other Bulldogs signed as free agents. Marcus Banks signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lideatrick Griffin with the Las Vegas Raiders, Shawn Preston Jr. with the New Orleans Saints, and Jett Johnson with the New York Jets.

The NFL is a dream come true for many college players

The Bulldogs’ success in the draft is a testament to the program’s commitment to developing top-notch talent. With a strong recruiting class and a talented roster, Mississippi State is poised to continue producing NFL-ready players for years to come.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are a force to be reckoned with in the SEC