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Mississippi State Draft History: Rounds 2 and 3

With Gabe Jackson expecting to hear his named called tonight, what other Bulldogs will he join as a second or third round draft pick? The list of picks that went in these two rounds include some of the most loved and famous Bulldogs of all time.

Dilip Vishwanat

While Mississippi State boasts a modest first round history in the NFL draft, the Bulldogs have fared a bit better in rounds two and three.  In fact, last year, the second round proved to be big for Mississippi State, and some of the Bulldogs' most famous players have gone in that round.

In 2013, both Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay heard their names called in the second round, seven picks apart.  The most surprising thing may have been the order as Slay jumped over the Thorpe Award winner.

Before Banks and Slay went in round 2, it had been 12 years since a Bulldog went in the second round.  That Bulldog was another defensive back, Fred Smoot in 2001.

1999 saw three Bulldogs, Reggie Kelly, J. J. Johnson and Randy Thomas all go in the second round as Mississippi State came off of an SEC West championship.  The 1998 Draft saw Eric Brown go in the second round.

One of Mississippi State's all-time best wide receivers went in the second round of the NFL draft.  In 1981, Mardy McDoyle heard his name called by the Minnesota Vikings in round two.

Many Bulldogs have also called the third round home as well.

In 2006, both Jerious Norwood and Eric Smith were third round selections, and they are the last Bulldogs to be picked in that round. Defensive linemen Dorsett Davis and Willie Blade went in round three in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

1997 and 1998 saw Brent Smith and Robert Hicks come to the NFL as third round picks, the first the Bulldogs had in that round since Glen Young went to the Eagles in 1982.