The 2024 NFL Draft is only a week away, so it’s time to deconstruct another seven-round mock draft.
The 2024 NFL Draft is now on the horizon, which means that a few former Ole Miss Rebels are about to take the next step in their football careers.
Ole Miss will not send any players with first or second-round grades, but The Athletic issued a seven-round mock draft on Wednesday that projected all 257 picks.
In the publication’s second-to-last mock draft, only two former Rebels were chosen: edge rusher Cedric Johnson and safety Daijahn Anthony. The Carolina Panthers drafted Johnson in the fifth round with the 141st pick, while the Washington Commanders selected Anthony in the seventh round with the 222nd pick.
Johnson concluded his senior year at Ole Miss tied for the team lead in sacks with 5.5 quarterback takedowns. From 2020 to 2023, the Mobile, Alabama native recorded 111 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, 19 sacks, and four pass breakups. The 6-3, 265-pound edge rusher has already emerged in numerous mock drafts beyond the third round and appears to be a lock for an NFL roster.
Anthony transferred from the Liberty Flames to Ole Miss prior of the 2023 season and quickly made an impression on Pete Golding’s defense. The Richmond, Virginia native finished the 2023 season fourth on the squad in total tackles (61) and tied for first in interceptions (3). In his one season with the Rebels, the 6-0, 205-pound defensive back recorded 2.5 TFLs, one forced fumble, and 11 pass breakups.
According to NFL.com, Johnson and Anthony’s draft profiles can be found below.
“[Cedric] Johnson passes the eyeball test with flying colors, and there will be teams who gravitate toward his NFL body type and play strength,” according to NFL.com. “He’s strong at the point of attack and can set firm edges, but he needs to focus more on getting rid of blockers and producing more plays. Johnson has potential, but unless his rush improves, he may never be more than a decent edge backup.
“[Daijahn] Anthony is high-cut but with good size and an aggressive field demeanor,” according to NFL.com. “He lined up as both a large nickel and a split safety. He’s quick enough to play over the top from center field, but his instincts are ordinary, and he can swivel his hips in response to the quarterback’s changing look. Hard-hitting safety with man-coverage tools, but may have limitations if asked to play on the back end.”
The 2024 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 25, and will last through Saturday, April 27.
