Potential Day 1 Prospects
A.J. Brown, WR, Jr.
Any summary of Ole Miss draft prospects has to begin with A.J. Brown. After compiling a 75-1,252-11 sophomore campaign, the SEC’s leading receiver has solidified himself as one of the top 2 draft-eligible receivers (ASU Harry) we’ve seen in years. He is a solid 6’1 215 lbs and he is a future franchise player in the NFL. Brown could find a home within the first hour of April’s draft.
Greg Little, OT, Jr.
Greg Little may go even higher than A.J. Brown. He would have been the first tackle selected in either of the past 2 classes and he finds himself entering 2018 in a 4-way battle with Jonah Williams, Trey Adams, and David Edwards to be the first tackle selected come spring. Little has the body, athleticism, and technique to stay at left tackle in the NFL.
DeKaylin Metcalf, WR, So.
Ole Miss is going to be a lot of fun to watch this year. I mentioned that Brown is my preseason favorite to be the top receiver picked in the 2019 draft. Well, Metcalf is another large target who has a chance to be the top receiver picked in 2020 if he doesn’t declare after his redshirt sophomore season. DK used his 6’4 220 lb frame to snatch 9 touchdowns as a freshman.
Potential Day 2 Prospects
Javon Patterson, OG, Jr.
Little deservedly gets quite a bit of hype, but Patterson is a solid NFL prospect as well. He grades as a mid-round (3rd-4th) guard going into 2018. He will be limited to playing inside because he isn’t nearly tall enough to play tackle.
Benito Jones, NT, Jr.
Jones is a very good nose tackle. Linemen who don’t provide a lot of pass rush ability don’t typically get drafted very highly so he could slide a bit. At the same time, that’s clearly not what Jones is asked to do on a consistent basis and he will be an appealing option if someone is looking for a space eater in the top 100.
Potential Day 3 Prospects
Dawson Knox, TE, Jr.
Knox had a solid sophomore season even though he had a severe foot injury. He should be able to put up some impressive numbers this year now that he’s healthy. Opposing defenses having to account for the team’s wide receivers is an enormous understatement too, so that should also help free up Knox. He has a lot of football left to play, but I have him around the 4th-5th round right now.
Ken Webster, CB, Sr.
Webster has been good throughout his career at Ole Miss when he has been healthy. He has a chance to get drafted late.
Future Prospects
Matt Corral, QB, Fr.
Corral isn’t expected to play this year, but he is going to be handed the keys to the program in 2019. Sportscenter might be showing a lot of Corral to DK Metcalf highlights that year. Until then, just note that Corral is a very highly regarded recruit.