Under-the-radar Kaleb Eulls waits for his NFL opportunity

STARKVILLE Kaleb Eulls' name doesn't appear atop draft boards. ESPN ranks him as the 21st best defensive lineman. The World Wide Leader slots him as the 235th best player in the draft.

The 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago this year consists of 256 picks.

"To me I could be the first pick. I could be the very last pick," the four-year starter at Mississippi State said. "I just want a chance to get in and show them what I worked hard for."

Eulls started 52 games in the Southeastern Conference. He started 13 games last year for a team that reached No. 1.

He saved his best season for last tallying 34 tackles, including three for loss and three sacks. His experience and production likely won't keep him on teams' draft boards until the seventh round. While analysts in the media grade him as a late-round pick, those inside NFL circles slot Eulls as high as a fourth-round pick.

"About 15-plus teams, maybe more," Eulls said. "I've got a chance to meet all the guys and I was just amazed to by the places you get to go to."

Former defensive line coach Chris Wilson promised Eulls as a freshman that football would bring him places he never expected.

During the draft process, Eulls traveled from California to Florida and up to New York.

"I never thought I'd get to see places you only see on TV," Eulls said. "Even flying, that's No. 1. When I was young, you see people flying all around. I said, 'I'll never fly.'"

Eulls grew up in Yazoo City. He came to Mississippi State as a four-star prospect. After redshirting in 2010, he earned a starting role in 2011. Once he earned that spot, he never let it go despite four and five-star talents fighting for a starting role behind him.

"He's a hard worker," former Mississippi State defensive lineman Preston Smith said. "He's going to come in every day and he's going to compete to try to be the best player on the team."

With the NFL Draft set to begin on Thursday, Eulls is in a similar spot he sat five years ago, looking for an opportunity.

In addition to the 15 or so teams that flew him in for visits, a handful trekked to Starkville for personal workouts. Some rate the defensive lineman higher than others.

"They tell me they're very interested. They like the style I play," Eulls said. "They like how I carry myself not only on the field, but also off the field. I'm a guy that that doesn't have any issues."

Now he waits. His next opportunity will likely come Saturday in rounds four through seven. He'll hear the names of his former defensive teammates Smith and Benardrick McKinney on Thursday or Friday.

Waiting 48 hours after the draft might bring anxiety to some. For, Eulls, who took advantage of an opening as a freshman at Mississippi State, knows he can do the same at the next level.

"I know most guys are kind of tensed up and are worried about where they will end up," Eulls said. "I'm kind of the same way, but right now I'm more relaxed. I'm just excited and can't wait."

Contact Michael Bonner at mbonner@gannett.com. Follow @MikeBBonner on Twitter.