With the NFL Draft set for April 28 in Chicago, it’s time to start submitting our final NFL mock draft picks. The mid-South loves some Ole Miss football and much of the spotlight will be on the Rebels next week as the Red & Blue are expected to have three players drafted in the first round.
Last week’s trade involving the Los Angeles Rams and the Tennessee Titans greatly impacted the draft status of a couple Ole Miss Rebels, as the Titans were nationally expected to take OT Laremy Tunsil with the No. 1 pick, whereas the Rams had their sights set on taking WR Laquon Treadwell with the 15th pick.
The stock of the Ole Miss players may have been better earlier in the 2015 season when Tunsil led Ole Miss to several wins in a row after he returned from injury. Treadwell continued to dominate power teams like Alabama, and Robert Nkemdiche was staying out of trouble. A lot has happened since then such as the Titans trade, Treadwell’s questionable Pro Day scores and Nkemdiche’s off-the-field issues.
With all of that in mind, here are my predictions for where these Rebels will land next week.
(Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
Laremy Tunsil jumps during the broad jump event at the NFL Pro Day.
Laremy Tunsil:
The Tennessee Titans seemed like the ideal place for Tunsil, as the Titans are expected to implement more running plays for quarterback Marcus Mariotta. In order for Mariotta to thrive in an offense built for him, he needs a good line to protect him, which is why Tunsil would’ve been a steal. However, the Titans made a good deal with the Rams to secure future draft picks. Tunsil will lose out on a lot of money, but he should still find a team in the early to middle part of the first round.
“In my opinion, he’s a future hall-of-fame left player with his athleticism and knowledge of the game,” RebelWatch reporter Breck Jones said. “When you pass up on him, you’re passing up a chance to solidify your left tackle position and the left side of the offensive line for the next ten plus years.”
Prediction: Third overall San Diego Chargers- The Chargers need to protect QB Phillip Rivers in the final few years of his career if San Diego wants to make one more playoff push.
Laquon Treadwell
(Photo by: Logan Kirkland)
Laquon Treadwell celebrates after Ole Miss’ win over Auburn last season.
The Los Angeles Rams seemed to be a perfect fit for Treadwell, but the Rams at the end of the day thought that a quarterback would be their biggest need, and they clearly made a big splash with the recent trade since their move to Los Angeles. Despite his shaky NFL Combine and Pro Day scores, Laquon Treadwell can play the game of football. He’s not the fastest at his position, but he’s tough and can beat anyone on a deep ball.
“To me, as far as the skilled position players go, it’s Laquon Treadwell,” WLAE-TV New Orleans sports reporter Scott Alexander said.” He’s dynamite and a can’t-miss. He may not have that burning speed, but to me he has football speed and can be faster than anyone when it matters.”
Prediction: 16th overall Detroit Lions- With the sudden retirement of Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford needs a new young target to throw to and I think Treadwell could be the perfect fit here.
(Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
Robert Nkemdiche runs downfield for a touchdown last season.
Robert Nkemdiche
As far as pure talent goes, Nkemdiche is arguably the best defensive player in this draft. As far as his off-the-field issues go, however, he is a huge risk to invest a first round draft pick on. There are several teams that are looking for a dominant defensive lineman like Nkemdiche, but in order for him to be drafted in the first round, every team must earn a promise from him that he’s going to surround himself with the right people and not take plays off. He’s the definition of a high-risk, high-reward player. Fun fact: Nkemdiche plans to buy a pet panther once he enters the NFL.
“21-year-old Robert Nkemdiche is jacked, polite, and hardworking,” ESPN writer Seth Wickersham said. “But he’s a creative spirit entering a world where creative spirits are looked upon with suspicion and disdain.”
Prediction: 26th overall Seattle Seahawks – This man can play football at an elite level. If he clears up his off-the-field issues, teams are going to be regret passing him up in the top 10. Seattle needs youth on their defensive line and Nkemdiche could be just right for this veteran team looking to return to the Super Bowl.
