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NFL Draft: Mississippi State’s Jeffery Simmons Goes to Tennessee With The 19th Pick

Jeffery Simmons knew he’d have questions to answer coming into this draft, with the arrest that occurred prior to his enrollment at Mississippi State, then a ACL injury as he was in preparation for the draft. The biggest question was where would he end up? The answer, the Tennessee Titans, as Simmons was selected with the 19th pick of the NFL Draft.

Simmons was a dominant force for Mississippi State each of his two seasons, controlling the middle of a defensive line that finished #1 in the nation in his final year. Simmons was a five star recruit out of high school, then followed up by become a two time first team All-SEC selection.

Simmons’s d-line teammate had to wait a lot longer than he probably anticipated, but Montez Sweat has heard his name called, heading to the Washington Redskins with the 26th pick.

Sweat was the best pass rusher in the SEC the past two seasons, racking up 23 sacks and 30 tackles for loss. A two time All-SEC selection, Sweat was dominant at the NFL Combine, but a medical issue put his status in question, an issue that would be recanted earlier today.

Sweat will look to fill the role left by another former Bulldog, Preston Smith, who was signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers.

Mississippi State got its three first rounders, as Oakland selected safety Johnathan Abram with the 27th pick.

Abram had a breakthrough season in his final year at Mississippi State, becoming the enforcer of the top ranked Bulldog defense. He showed the ability to work against the run, be prolific in coverage, and having a keen sense for when to blitz. He should fit in perfectly when you consider the Oakland legacy of hard hitters going back to guys like Jack Tatum, Willie Brown, and Ronnie Lott.

We’ll update this thread as more Bulldogs are selected in the draft. All photos courtesy of Mississippi State athletics.

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