It was only five years ago that Jimmy Morrissey was a walk-on at the University of Pittsburgh, just hoping to earn a scholarship. Now, due to his tenacity and work ethic, he's in the National Football League.
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No Michigan State football players were selected in the NFL Draft this past weekend, ending an impressive 80-year run. The sharp drop-off in recruiting toward the end of the 2010s has been noticeable on the field the last two seasons and became even more visible during recent drafts.
Cornerback Shakur Brown appeared to have the best chance to hear his name called, while defensive tackle Naquan Jones and linebacker Antjuan Simmons were seen as long shots. Brown quickly signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the draft, while Jones landed with the Tennessee Titans. Simmons is still awaiting his NFL fate as of press time, but all three look to prove themselves in 2021 after going undrafted.
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The Washington Football Team finished up the 2021 NFL Draft by adding another pass-catcher, BYU wide receiver Dax Milne, with the 258th overall pick.
Originally a walk-on player, Milne (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) was one of No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson s primary targets for the Cougars last season, as he put together a career season with 1,188 yards and eight touchdowns on 70 receptions. he was a Burlsworth Trophy finalist, which is given to the top college player who started their career as a walk-on, and an All-American selection by
Together, Wilson and Milne helped drive one of the best offenses in college football, as the Cougars averaged 332.1 passing yards and 524 total yards per game. In addition to leading the team in receptions, Milne had the fourth-highest PFF grade (89.6), seventh-best yards per route run (3.75) and 10th-best drop rate (2.8%) among draft eligible receivers.
The Washington Football Team rounded out its 2021 draft class Saturday with three picks in the seventh round, selecting Baylor defensive end William Bradley-King at No. 240, Penn State defensive end Shaka Toney at No. 246 and BYU wide receiver Dax Milne at No. 258.
RECAP: Raiders Trade-Up for Gillespie, Draft Hobbs and Morrissey
On the final day of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Raiders traded up for safety Tyree Gillespie and drafted cornerback Nate Hobbs and center Jimmy Morrissey.
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The Raiders traded their No. 162 and No. 200 overall picks to the New York Jets. In return, Las Vegas received the No. 143 pick from the Jets.
With the No. 143 pick in the fourth round, the Raiders drafted safety Tyree Gillespie from the University of Missouri.
Gillespie showcased a brisk 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine
During his four seasons at Missouri, he racked up 12 pass breakups and 148 total tackles. He played in 41 games.