Mississippi State Football Faces Draft Drought, Shifts Focus to Free Agency
STARKVILLE — The 2025 NFL Draft concluded with a surprising outcome for Mississippi State football as no players were selected, marking the first time since 2009 that the Bulldogs have been entirely unrepresented in the draft.
With the draft behind them, attention now turns to undrafted free agency, where several Bulldogs are poised to make their mark. Prominent players include wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, linebacker Stone Blanton, and center Ethan Miner, who are all seeking to establish NFL careers.
Akharaiyi, who made a significant impact during his time at Mississippi State with 25 receptions for 391 yards and two touchdowns last season after transferring from UTEP, has signed with the Buffalo Bills. His reliable performance has caught the eye of NFL scouts, leading to this opportunity.
Stone Blanton, another key player, has joined the San Francisco 49ers. Blanton finished the season strong with 124 tackles, the second most on the team, following his transfer from South Carolina. His skill set and work ethic are anticipated to contribute positively to the 49ers’ roster.
Additionally, offensive tackle Jimmy Bell Jr. has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. Bell, who transitioned to football after initially playing basketball at Mississippi State, entered the transfer portal in 2024 but did not compete during the last season.
As the Mississippi State football program navigates this uncharted territory of having no draft picks, the focus will shift to developing undrafted talent and enhancing the team’s roster for future seasons. The Bulldogs’ adaptability and commitment will be crucial as they move forward.
For ongoing updates, follow Sam Sklar, Mississippi State beat reporter, on X @sklarsam_.
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