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Scouting the SEC: Mississippi State's top prospects in 2015 NFL Draft
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
April 25, 2015 12:31 pm ET
Since coach Dan Mullen arrived at Mississippi State, the Bulldogs have produced at least one NFL draft pick each of the last five years, including six top-100 selections over that span. That streak will be extended another year with the 2015 class and likely make it eight top-100 picks in the Mullen era with defensive end Preston Smith and linebacker Benardrick McKinney projected as top-60 draft selections.
Quarterback Dak Prescott, who returned to Starkville for his senior season, could be a top-100 draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft class, but Mississippi State fans are hoping for a SEC West Championship in 2015 before that debate begins.
Rundown of Mississippi State's potential draft picks in the 2015 class:
Preston Smith, DE, Senior (6-5, 271, 4.71)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #43 overall/#6 DE
Projection: 2nd Round
The light bulb started to illuminate for Smith over last summer (newborn daughter was a driving force of motivation) and it was at full glow a few games into the season, earning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors three straight weeks at one point. His versatility is the key to his ability, lining up inside and outside and attacking the point of attack with his power and long arms. Smith will never be a twitchy rusher who will consistently win the edge with speed, but he has the length, strength and mindset to hold the edge and provide some pass rush potential, especially when moved inside as a gap penetrator. Smith is a solid second rounder who fits as a left defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or as a five-technique defensive end in the Kareem Martin mold.
Benardrick McKinney, LB, Redshirt Junior (6-4, 246, 4.62)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #51 overall/#2 ILB
Projection: 2nd round
A high school quarterback and star on the basketball team, McKinney quickly made the transition to inside linebacker at Mississippi State and was consistently productive in the SEC the last three seasons. He is an interesting size/speed athlete and moves well for his body type, but not an elite burst/agility player. Although he flashes smart diagnose skills, McKinney is late to recognize plays and lacks the range to make up for false steps, especially if given cover responsibilities. He has the physical nature and intangibles needed for the NFL, which likely lands him in the second round, but his struggles in space and as a cover defender hurt his next level potential.
Josh Robinson, RB, Redshirt Junior (5-8, 217, 4.59)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #168 overall/#15 RB
Projection: 5th round
A bowling ball type of runner, Robinson has overcome a great deal of adversity in his life, even living out of his car for a stretch during high school and college. Robinson is quicker than fast with the natural pad level and body strength to be a pinball between the tackles, but his inconsistent vision and patience also stands out, reminiscent of Trent Richardson (both positively and negatively). He has a lot of tread left on his tires, but is unproven as a workhorse and needs to improve his receiving and blocking ability in the passing game to see consistent NFL snaps, likely as a mid-to-late round pick.
Kaleb Eulls, DT, Redshirt Senior (6-3, 305, 5.14)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #220 overall/#20 DT
Projection: 6th-7th round
A high school quarterback, Eulls had offers from just about every SEC program and spent most of his Mississippi State career as a one-technique or nose tackle, developing his frame and adding 50 pounds since arriving in Starkville. He has a stout lower body to anchor and plug run lanes, but has limited range and doesn't offer much as a pass rusher. Eulls needs to improve his snap anticipation and pad level off the snap, often ending up where the blocker wants him to go when he stands up and loses leverage. He doesn't stand out on film and he lacks any traits that truly separate him, but Eulls has the physical and mental make-up to survive at the bottom of a roster.
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
April 25, 2015 12:31 pm ET
Since coach Dan Mullen arrived at Mississippi State, the Bulldogs have produced at least one NFL draft pick each of the last five years, including six top-100 selections over that span. That streak will be extended another year with the 2015 class and likely make it eight top-100 picks in the Mullen era with defensive end Preston Smith and linebacker Benardrick McKinney projected as top-60 draft selections.
Quarterback Dak Prescott, who returned to Starkville for his senior season, could be a top-100 draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft class, but Mississippi State fans are hoping for a SEC West Championship in 2015 before that debate begins.
Rundown of Mississippi State's potential draft picks in the 2015 class:
Preston Smith, DE, Senior (6-5, 271, 4.71)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #43 overall/#6 DE
Projection: 2nd Round
The light bulb started to illuminate for Smith over last summer (newborn daughter was a driving force of motivation) and it was at full glow a few games into the season, earning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors three straight weeks at one point. His versatility is the key to his ability, lining up inside and outside and attacking the point of attack with his power and long arms. Smith will never be a twitchy rusher who will consistently win the edge with speed, but he has the length, strength and mindset to hold the edge and provide some pass rush potential, especially when moved inside as a gap penetrator. Smith is a solid second rounder who fits as a left defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or as a five-technique defensive end in the Kareem Martin mold.
Benardrick McKinney, LB, Redshirt Junior (6-4, 246, 4.62)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #51 overall/#2 ILB
Projection: 2nd round
A high school quarterback and star on the basketball team, McKinney quickly made the transition to inside linebacker at Mississippi State and was consistently productive in the SEC the last three seasons. He is an interesting size/speed athlete and moves well for his body type, but not an elite burst/agility player. Although he flashes smart diagnose skills, McKinney is late to recognize plays and lacks the range to make up for false steps, especially if given cover responsibilities. He has the physical nature and intangibles needed for the NFL, which likely lands him in the second round, but his struggles in space and as a cover defender hurt his next level potential.
Josh Robinson, RB, Redshirt Junior (5-8, 217, 4.59)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #168 overall/#15 RB
Projection: 5th round
A bowling ball type of runner, Robinson has overcome a great deal of adversity in his life, even living out of his car for a stretch during high school and college. Robinson is quicker than fast with the natural pad level and body strength to be a pinball between the tackles, but his inconsistent vision and patience also stands out, reminiscent of Trent Richardson (both positively and negatively). He has a lot of tread left on his tires, but is unproven as a workhorse and needs to improve his receiving and blocking ability in the passing game to see consistent NFL snaps, likely as a mid-to-late round pick.
Kaleb Eulls, DT, Redshirt Senior (6-3, 305, 5.14)
NFLDraftScout.com Rank: #220 overall/#20 DT
Projection: 6th-7th round
A high school quarterback, Eulls had offers from just about every SEC program and spent most of his Mississippi State career as a one-technique or nose tackle, developing his frame and adding 50 pounds since arriving in Starkville. He has a stout lower body to anchor and plug run lanes, but has limited range and doesn't offer much as a pass rusher. Eulls needs to improve his snap anticipation and pad level off the snap, often ending up where the blocker wants him to go when he stands up and loses leverage. He doesn't stand out on film and he lacks any traits that truly separate him, but Eulls has the physical and mental make-up to survive at the bottom of a roster.