Four Aggies selected in Pro Football Networks’ newest 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Surprising to some, but Texas A&M has over 25 active NFL players coached by three separate coaching staffs over the last decade-plus, and leading into April’s 2024 NFL Draft, several Aggie veterans are deemed to hear their names called, including linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, and wide receiver Ainias Smith.
While a bevy of NFL Mock Drafts will continue to be released across the internet for the next three months, Pro Football Focus’ Ian Cummings, one of the hardest-working analysts in the industry, released his newest 7-round Mock Draft last weekend, which included four Aggies selected across six of seven rounds.
While Cooper, Smith, and safety Demani Richardson have the most realistic shot at being selected sooner rather than later, veteran offensive lineman Layden Robinson could be a late steal for guard-needy teams.
Even though Texas A&M, in now former head coach Jimbo Fisher’s final season at the helm, finished 7-6, the Aggies’ have continued to develop talent on both sides of the ball year after year, and under new HC Mike Elko, expect even more players to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here are the four players Ian Cummings predicted to will be selected in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
Round 3, Pick 66: Senior DT McKinnley Jackson
Ian Cumming’s take:
“At 6’2″, 325 pounds, McKinnley Jackson is a suffocating nose tackle at 0-tech and 1-tech, who can also rush the passer with his burst, twitch, and violent hands.”
Possessing the size, strength, and sneaky athleticism to push the pocket consistently, Jackson recorded an impressive 91 total tackles (43 solo tackles), two forced fumbles, and one forced fumble in four seasons.
Round 3, Pick 78: Junior LB Edgerrin Cooper
Ian Cumming’s take:
“In Edgerrin Cooper, the Seahawks get an explosive 6’3″, 230-pound LB who flows downhill with rare confidence and pace and also has coverage upside.”
Plain and simple: Edgerrin Cooper looks like the No. 1 linebacker based on his size, speed, and elite closing speed. In four seasons and 37 appearances, Cooper recorded 205 tackles (111 solo tackles), 8.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 forced fumbles.
Round 5, Pick 184: Senior WR Ainias Smith
Ainias Smith’s journey to the NFL Draft has been filled with adversity and stellar play. In five seasons and 50 appearances later, Smith has recorded 180 receptions for 2,407 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air, while his versatility in the backfield netted 72 carries for 405 yards and 4 rushing scores.
Round 6: Pick 192: Senior OG Layden Robinson
Standing at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, Robinson has logged more than 30-plus starts at right guard in his five-year career after his 2019 redshirt season and earned several designations, including making the 2021 PFF All-SEC First Team and 2021 AP All-SEC Second Team, and recently named to the 2023 SEC Community Service Team.
Starting at the right guard spot for his entire Aggie career. Robinson may not be the perfect prospect but look no further for guard-needy teams looking for a short-term project.
Summary:
This is a final draft class of the Jimbo Fisher era, enduring frustrating mediocrity over the past two seasons, yet memorable moments, including the 2021 win over then No. 1-ranked Alabama and the 2020 Orange Bowl victory, will always reign supreme for every player selected in April.
However, it was very surprising to see Cumming leave out safety Demani Richardson from his mock draft with all his production over the past four seasons.
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