STARKVILLE – Though their decisions on whether to enter the NFL Draft or return to school for their senior seasons have not been made yet, Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Benardrick McKinney are among a handful of Bulldogs curious about their futures.

To that end, the pair filled out exploratory paperwork with the NFL to find out more after their possible draft status. The process allows underclassmen – juniors or third-year sophomores – to request draft grades, at which point the NFL will return its prognosis based on individual film study. The deadline for such an inquiry is Monday.

According to MSU coach Dan Mullen, five Bulldogs were expected to go through the process, but only McKinney and Prescott had already filed.

“When we get all the paperwork back, we’ll sit down with those guys and we’ll really discuss the best options for all their futures,” said Mullen. “We have great open discussions about that. I love guys getting the opportunity to play professional football. That’s a dream come true for most people. So if guys have that opportunity, and it’s a great position for them to leave we’re going to encourage them to go do that.”

The inquiry doesn’t tie the players to the NFL Draft, it’s simply aimed at helping each individual gather enough information to make the proper decision. The players will receive a draft grade back, which will simply predict which round he is likely to be chosen in without regard to other factors like position depth or team needs.

McKinney, a Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference selection according to the league’s media and a First Team choice by the league’s coaches, is projected as a first round pick by ESPN.com. Prescott, meanwhile, has seen his draft projections fluctuate in recent weeks. Sports Illustrated lists the Haughton, Louisiana native as a possible second-round draft choice.

For Prescott, any decision on the NFL Draft will have to wait.

“I’m just worried about graduating right now,” Prescott said. “I’ll decide that later. Me and Benardrick both will.”

Twelve Buldogs graduate: While their younger teammates toiled away on the practice field Saturday morning, a dozen veteran Bulldogs were inside the Humphrey Coliseum wearing caps and gowns.

Led by quarterback Dak Prescott, who received his degree in educational psychology, 12 Bulldogs graduated Saturday.

That group included wide receiver Jameon Lewis, defensive back Jamerson Love, defensive lineman Kaleb Eulls, offensive lineman Dillon Day, left guard Ben Beckwith, wideout Robert Johnson, linebacker Matt Wells, tailback Nick Griffin, tight end Brandon Hill, defensive end John Harris and offensive lineman Justin Malone.

Follow Dispatch sports writer Brandon Walker on Twitter @BWonStateBeat