Another day, another Bulldog off the board.
Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson became MSU’s second player to be selected in the 2022 NFL draft Friday evening. Emerson was picked by the Cleveland Browns in the third round with the No. 68 overall pick.
Emerson was selected the day after Charles Cross became the Bulldogs’ highest-ever offensive lineman to be drafted, going ninth overall to the Seattle Seahawks. MSU’s most recent cornerback to be drafted was Cameron Dantzler in 2020 by the Minnesota Vikings.
Emerson was one of the Southeastern Conference’s best cover corners, and his length and size helped earn him a high pick in the draft. The 68th pick carries an estimated contract of $5.5 million.
The Florida native declared for the draft after his junior season. Emerson started 28 games in his three years in Starkville.
Polk goes undrafted
Wide receiver Makai Polk was not selected in the draft after turning pro following one year in Starkville.
Polk caught 105 passes for 1,046 yards and nine touchdowns with the Bulldogs, but he couldn’t parlay that success into a draft selection.
The former Cal transfer was projected as a late-round pick, with poor numbers at the NFL combine and Mississippi State pro day bringing his stock down.
Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
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