Mock draft season is winding down, which means the NFL Draft is just around the corner. What does this mean for the Ole Miss players who will play professionally?
Waiting is the difficult part, but their ambitions of becoming professionals are almost a reality.
Up to five former Rebels are anticipated to hear their names called during the three-day event, which begins on April 25, with many players gaining mid-round momentum. Cedric Johnson, a defensive end, should unquestionably make a team in Week 1. Deantre Prince, the cornerback, should do the same.
In the latest seven-round mock draft released by ESPN, three Rebels come off the board and begin a new chapter taking on NFL quarterbacks instead of SEC ones. Johnson, who tied Jared Ivey for the top sack spot with 5.5 takedowns, landed with the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round at No. 232.
Johnson finished his Rebels’ career with 19 sacks in 40 games. Last month at the NFL combine, his 4.63 40-time ranked fifth among the edge rushers at the event Johnson also recorded top-five showings in the vertical jump and the bench press.
While not expected to be a Day 1 starter, scouts are sold on his upside playing in the SEC, thus making him a priority option on Day 3. He’s one of several SEC pass-rushers expected to land during Rounds 4-7 given their background and experience in the conference that ‘Just Means More.’
