Sports editor Sam Harres, assistant sports editor Grayson Weir and senior writer Ethan Wright take a look at some of Ole Miss’ football standouts who are hoping to be drafted tonight or tomorrow into the NFL.
Evan Engram:
- Ethan– Late first, maybe early second-round pick. Impressive receiving chops and solid blocking could make him a huge asset to any team with a flailing offensive attack (Browns, Jets, etc.).
- Sam– A good combine took his draft stock from early second round to late first round. Probably projects more as a slot receiver due to a lack of size.
- Grayson– While his magnificent combine performance and his first-round receiving talent will appeal to pass-centric offenses, his lack of size at the tight end position and struggles blocking in the trenches will see Engram drop to the second round. Also, don’t be surprised if he is drafted with intentions toward a transition to wide receiver.
Quincy Adeboyejo
- Ethan– Adeboyejo’s mediocre senior year should cast some doubt on his ability to perform in the NFL. He has the size, but I can’t see him going earlier than the sixth round.
- Sam– He has talent and size but may lack the drive to succeed in the NFL. Adeboyejo could play at the next level, but any team that drafts him earlier than the last round is taking a risk.
- Grayson– Adeboyejo was underwhelming his senior year, and that’s going to cost him. His size is consistent with NFL standards, and his athleticism is certainly uncanny – just look at the Tuscaloosa Tip. Unfortunately, he just doesn’t have the on-field tape to have his name called this weekend. But don’t count the resilient Rebel out; he will make an NFL roster and could make a splash if he lands in the right system.
Chad Kelly
- Ethan- Undrafted. Kelly’s gunslinger mentality on the field and questionable activity off of it make him too big of a risk for most NFL teams. It’s most likely that the former Rebel QB will end up signing as a free agent or being taken in the compensatory draft, a la Tom Brady with the Patriots.
- Sam- This might be controversial, but I think Kelly is the second best quarterback in the draft. He won’t go early, and he may not go at all, but if he does, it will be late in the sixth or seventh rounds.
- Grayson- Chad Kelly … Where to begin? Kelly has undeniably the best arm in this year’s draft, and his size, speed, accuracy and bloodline make him the biggest sleeper. However, his off-field shenanigans and recent injury-prone stretch will see him go undrafted but make a splash as a free-agent signing. Hopefully he doesn’t go Manziel on us.
Fadol Brown
- Ethan- His senior year was cut short by a foot injury, which could impact his placement in the draft. Catch Brown later in the draft being picked by a team looking for extra depth to add to an already-established defense, like the Steelers or Seahawks.
- Sam– Possibly the best DE to play in Oxford in recent years, Brown could add depth to any number of NFL teams. He won’t project as a starter, though, and that will keep him out of the first few rounds.
- Grayson– Fadol Brown is the epitome of well-rounded. His size and strength, his drive and his ability to stop the run are there. That being said, his lazy hands and relative ineffectiveness as a pass rusher will couple with the season-ending foot injury and leave him hoping for his phone ring Saturday, if at all.
D.J. Jones
- Ethan– Jones’ lack of height could be made up for by explosiveness off the ball at defensive tackle. While he lacks the big name-recognition of others in the draft, look for him to slide in during the mid to late rounds as a capable asset to any team looking to bolster its defensive line.
- Sam– A solid fourth or fifth rounder, Jones won’t start in the NFL next year, but he has the tools to improve and contribute two or three years down the road.
- Grayson– Jones is a fifth-round physical specimen with the balance and lateral movement reminiscent of a swing-dancing bison. Off the field, his size, strength and speed make up for a lack in production numbers during his two years in Oxford. Jones is a solid pick for a team that needs to beef up its depth in the defensive interior but will require a little wiggle room for development.
Damore’ea Stringfellow
- Ethan- Stringfellow, a big-bodied athlete with impressive measurables and even better hands, has struggled with off-field antics, too. He could pop up anywhere between the third and sixth rounds but might go even earlier, depending on the direction of the draft.
- Sam- Another athlete held out of the combine due to trouble with the law, Stringfellow is anything but a known entity. He would add a lot to a number of NFL teams, but don’t expect him to go earlier than the fourth round.
- Grayson- Minor off-field issues aside, Stringfellow is clay waiting to be molded. Size being of no concern, his ability to track and win the ball away from cornerbacks will be his biggest upside. Should his route-running improve, Stringfellow could make a name for himself as a consistent role-player on Sundays, within a West Coast offense in particular. Depending on which team believes the hype and to what extent, he could be chosen anywhere beyond the mid-third round or not at all. Most likely, look for his name on the board near the fifth or sixth.
