Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is reportedly viewed as an early second-round draft pick instead of and first-round pick, as area scouts are questioning him for both his off field actions and on field performances this season, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.
The Rebels star defensive lineman fell 15 feet from a hotel ledge after reportedly breaking out of his fourth-floor window. Nkemdiche was taken to the hospital and given stiches, and was subsequently charged with marijuana possession. This incident clearly will have an effect on how NFL scouts evaluate Nkemdiche in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-4, 296-pound defensive tackle is not only being questioned by scouts about his off-field incident that happened this past weekend, but also with his play on the field, as he only recorded seven tackles for a loss and three sacks in his junior year. Scouts have reportedly stated that Nkemdiche was "overrated," and was "living off his high school reputation," according to Miller.
The Associated Press has already named the talented defensive lineman to their All-American second team. Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze has yet to state what punishment Nkemdiche faces following this weekend's incident, and many are wondering if he will be allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma State on New Year's Day.
ESPN's current mock draft views Robert Nkemdiche going as the third pick in the NFL Draft to the San Diego Chargers. While it's uncertain where Nkemdiche will land in the upcoming draft, he will likely be under close watch by NFL evaluators, as they will want to be certain about Nkemdiche before selecting him in the first round. It will be interesting to see what Freeze does regarding Nkemdiche's recent incident, but if he is on the field during the Sugar Bowl expect a ton of scouts to be closely watching how he performs against the Cowboys.
