Raiders Select Jackson In 3rd Round

STARKVILLE, Miss. (MSU Athletics) – Mississippi State All-American offensive guard Gabe Jackson fulfilled a lifelong dream by reaching the NFL as he was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 81st overall pick in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft on Friday night.

Jackson, a native of Liberty, Miss., is the first Bulldog offensive lineman to be picked in the NFL Draft since Derek Sherrod went to the Green Bay Packers in the 2011 first round. Jackson started all 52 games of his MSU career and did not allow a sack in his senior season. He was a first-team All-America selection by Walter Camp and USA Today.

“I am thankful to be an Oakland Raider,” said Jackson. “I am mentally ready for the next level. I am not going to let anyone outwork me. I thank all of our coaches and fans for all of the support the last four years. I will always be a Bulldog.”

Jackson is the 13th MSU draft selection in the Dan Mullen era dating back to 2010. He is also the first Bulldog to be taken by the Raiders since wide receiver Olanda Truitt. At least one MSU player has been selected in all five of the NFL Drafts under Mullen.

“He was a four-year starter, a big-time player, and I am proud of him,” said Mullen. “He’s first-round talent. He led the nation’s toughest conference in career starts. He will have a long, successful career.”

Rounds four through six of the 2014 NFL Draft begin at 11 a.m. CT Saturday live on ESPN and the NFL Network. Live streaming is available online through NFL.com.