Which Mississippi State NFL prospects are underrated going into 2024 draft?
When commissioner Roger Goodell steps up to the podium on April 25 in Detroit, there’s a strong chance he’ll announce the Chicago Bears have selected Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick in the NFL Draft.
The picks that follow will likely feature some combination of Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
At the top, the talent in this year’s draft class is evident.
However, deeper in the draft, general managers have their eyes on overlooked prospects with a chance to develop into quality NFL players. That’s where Mississippi State football could leave its mark this year.
The Bulldogs had four prospects get invited to the NFL scouting combine, but there are other players from Mississippi State who could have quality professional careers if they land in the right spot.
Here’s are three Mississippi State football prospects NFL teams should consider in the latter stages of the draft or as undrafted free agent signings.
Jett Johnson
MSU linebacker Nathaniel Watson has landed in a few mock drafts. However, fellow linebacker Jett Johnson, doesn’t appear to be headed toward a selection.
Johnson has frequently joked about his athleticism and speed being inferior to Watson’s, but he has posted statistics in the SEC that suggest he could being a worthwhile addition for an NFL team.
Johnson has collected 246 tackles across the last two seasons. In 2022, he led the SEC in tackles. In 2023, he finished second behind Watson.
Production in the nation’s best conference should mean something. Perhaps that’ll play into Johnson’s favor.
Marcus Banks
Defensive back Marcus Banks has shown versatility in the SEC. Out of high school, he went to Alabama as a cornerback. He transferred to Mississippi State ahead of the 2022 season and developed into a starting safety for the 2023 campaign.
An NFL team could have some flexibility with Banks depending on where they deem he fits best on the next level.
At worst, he’s a former four-star prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, who signed with Alabama under coach Nick Saban. Defensive backs with ties to that program have had success in the NFL. There’s clearly untapped potential with Banks.
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Lideatrick Griffin
There are two layers to Lideatrick Griffin. If he’s signed, an NFL team will be adding a wide receiver but also one of the top kick returners.
With the NFL implementing new kickoff rules, the position could become more valuable. Griffin averaged 30.4 yards per return across four seasons at MSU.
As a receiver, there is a level to Griffin’s game that wasn’t unlocked at Mississippi State. Under the late Mike Leach, he played as an outside receiver in the Air Raid, though it appears he’d be a better fit in the slot. He got a chance to play that position in his final year at Mississippi State, but he was part of an offense than was the worst in the SEC, according to various statistical categories.
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.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Which Mississippi State NFL prospects are underrated in 2024 draft?