Nineteen former Bulldogs participated in the 2026 NFL Pro Day at Mississippi State to show off their talent in front of NFL agents. With the upcoming NFL draft, April 23-25, players showed off what they have to offer in anticipation of a future professional career.

Twenty-four NFL teams and two CFL teams traveled to Starkville to watch the Bulldog talent take center stage in the Palmeiro Center. 

Brenen Thompson

 This one-year MSU wide receiver and solo invite to this year’s NFL combine said that he has gotten positive feedback from many professional teams so far. 

“I’ve talked to a bunch of teams, a bunch of scouts, a bunch of coaches,” Thompson said. “Just been so fortunate, so blessed to be able to do so, and I’m just excited to get to the next spot.”

At the NFL Combine on Feb.28, Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash of the combine with a time of 4.26 seconds, but he was not satisfied with his performance. 

“I was a little disappointed,” Thompson said. “I think all my times in training were faster than that, and those training with me and those around me know that.” 

Thompson said he felt that he performed well today and will get back to training until the draft. 

“Train, get on some visits, more zoom, more ball,” Thompson said of his plans post-Pro Day. 

Throughout his time at MSU, Thompson set the single-season receiving yards record, with 1,054 yards, as well as becoming the 4th player in Mississippi State history to have a 1,000-yard receiving season.

Thompson ended his career at Mississippi State with 1o touchdowns, 84 receptions and 1,557 yards.

Seydou Traore

A tight end from London has spent the last two seasons playing in Maroon and White. Before heading to Starkville, Traore played for Arkansas State.

“I played five years of college ball, and I think all those years kind of helped develop me, made me kind of who I am today,” Traore said. “I’ve had a bunch of different coaches and a bunch of people’s different perspectives to hear and grow.”

Traore said that the NFL teams present at pro day today have noticed his talent, giving him hope for the upcoming draft. 

“Teams have been saying I’m a versatile player, I’m explosive,” Traore said. “ I think I had a solid day today, and I showcased my abilities.” 

Throughout the whole training process, Traore has kept one lesson in mind that encourages him daily.

“Treat every day like it’s your last because you really don’t know when this game can be over,” Traore said. “We’re lucky to play the game every sack, so take advantage of that.”

In Traore’s final season at Mississippi State, he recorded 35 receptions, 5 touchdowns and 367 yards. Traore played in all 13 games and had 12 starts in the 2025 season.

Davon Booth

MSU’s running back for the last two seasons also made his debut at pro day, running one of the fastest 40-yard dash times of the day. 

“Going into the offseason, a lot of teams were worried about my top speed,” Booth said. “That was my main emphasis, you know, getting faster, making sure I had a good 40.” 

Booth’s 40-yard dash time was 4.43 seconds. 

Aside from feedback on his speed, NFL teams have discussed other points for Booth to work on. 

“I would just say probably pass protection is a little sloppy at times,” Booth said. “But other than that, they all say I’m pretty well-rounded.”

Although Booth’s primary position is running back, he caught punts for the first time at pro day and is open to anything. 

“Wherever they want me to be, that’s what I’m going to do,” Booth said. 

During his two seasons at Mississippi State, Booth played in 24 games with 1,312 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 329 receiving yards, resulting in six touchdowns.

Albert Reese IV

 An offensive lineman from Edmonton, Canada, has played at Mississippi State since 2021, and he felt that he performed well today under the Bulldog name. 

“I felt really good today,” Reese said. “I felt smooth, I felt, you know, flexible, which is something I’ve been working at.” 

Reese chose to play for MSU five years ago, but now the roles are reversed, and the teams are the ones who will hopefully be choosing him. 

“In high school, schools typically want the player, and they do all the heavy lifting,” Reese said. “But now, it’s the complete opposite. The players are wanting the NFL teams, and you’ve got to earn it.”

In his five seasons, Reese played in 48 games, 22 of which were starts. In just the 2025 season, he played over 650 snaps and allowed four sacks. Reese has an overall blocking grade of 61.1. He was also named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week during week two against No.12 Arizona State.

Fifteen other MSU players performed today for the NFL scouts, but they all have the same goal: get drafted. Over 200 Mississippi State players have been drafted into the NFL, and each year, the guys hope that they can add to that number. The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, PA, and will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC.