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Despite setbacks, Ole Miss juniors among top NFL prospects
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
The 2013 recruiting class has had a major impact in the resurgence of the Ole Miss football program. NFL experts have predicted the class also will make an impression at the next level.
But injuries and NCAA violations have hindered some of the best Ole Miss juniors in the last year. Will that affect their draft stock next year or even encourage them to return to school for their senior season?
Let’s take a look at the draft stock of the top four Ole Miss juniors.
Robert Nkemdiche, DL: Nkemdiche displayed his talent in a signature performance against Alabama back in September. While playing more than 80 snaps, he made 6 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and recorded 0.5 sacks. After the performance, Nkemdiche skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on 2016 NFL mock draft boards.
But Nkemdiche suffered a concussion while playing offense against Memphis on Oct. 17 and didn’t play against Texas A&M on Oct. 24.
He may no longer be considered the top prospect, but Nkemdiche is still a consensus top 10 pick, and the concussion won’t hold him out of the draft. The junior is expected back on the field Saturday. In the latest 2016 NFL Mock draft from CBS Sports, Nkemdiche went to the Tennessee Titans at No. 3 overall.
Laremy Tunsil, LT: Tunsil hasn’t missed time due to injury, however, he sat out the first seven games after his stepfather alleged that he was seen in cars with agents and accepted impermissible gifts, according to ESPN’s Chris Low.
While out, the Ole Miss left tackle slipped on most mock drafts, but he returned last Saturday and dominated against Texas A&M. The offensive line played its best game as Ole Miss rushed for 230 yards and allowed just one sack.
Although Tunsil might have to answer questions regarding the gifts he accepted during the NFL combine, it probably won’t affect his draft stock. CBS Sports has Tunsil going to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 2 overall.
Laquon Treadwell, WR: Last season, Treadwell suffered a gruesome broke leg against Auburn, but he’s bounced back. He already has set or tied career highs with 756 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Treadwell also has 54 catches, 19 shy of another career-high.
If Treadwell elects to enter the NFL Draft in the spring, CBS Sports has him going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 10 overall.
Tony Conner, DB: Unlike the other NFL caliber players from the Ole Miss 2013 recruiting class, Conner will probably be back for the 2016 season. He tore his meniscus against Alabama on Sept. 19 and hasn’t played since.
Conner has been practicing on a limited basis this week and is waiting on a decision on whether he can play Saturday at Auburn, according to The Oxford (Miss.) Eagle.
Dave covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
