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More Ole Miss Rebels to go in 1st round of 2017 NFL Draft?

By John Luke McCord

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Laquon Treadwell (Mississippi) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number twenty-three overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Laquon Treadwell (Mississippi) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number twenty-three overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) carries the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (27) during the first half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) carries the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (27) during the first half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Marquis Haynes

Based on his popularity in early mocks Marquis Haynes is the most likely prospect on the Ole Miss roster, entering the 2016 season, to go on the first night of the 2017 NFL Draft. Which is almost surprising when you consider the fact that he will more than likely be switching positions on the next level.

Prior to signing with the Rebels, Haynes was a track star. That, combined with his physically-matured 6’3 220-pound frame, made him a terror off the edge for opposing quarterbacks from the very beginning of his college career. And while he’s only polished his pass rush abilities in his first two years in the program, he’s also becoming a more physical presence against the run.

He’ll likely have to become comfortable playing in space on Sundays, but he has shown the ability to improve areas of his game that are lacking. So there’s no reason to believe that he will not develop into a productive pro at any position he ends up. Early NFL prognostications feel the same way. Here is where he is projected in relevant, early mocks for the 2017 NFL Draft:

Dane Brugler – #30 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This could be an ideal fit as the Steelers are known for their 3-4 scheme that puts their linebackers in position to make plays.

  • Walterfootball.com – #27 overall to the Green Bay Packers. With the success the Packers have had moving a fast athlete like Clay Matthews around, it’s no surprise they would try to find the same success with Haynes. Though he’s not proven as the ad superstar Matthews is on the NFL level, Haynes is perhaps a better athlete. He’s unquestionably faster.
  • Joe Pantorno(BleacherReport.com) – #32 overall to the Arizona Cardinals. Interestingly enough this potential selection would reunite a pass rushing duo Ole Miss fans are very familiar with. Hey, Robert Nkemdiche.
  • DJ Boyer(draftsite.com) – #23 overall to the Houston Texans. Lining up on the outside hip of JJ Watt or even potentially Jadeveon Clowney is likely to make for a smooth transition into pro football and at a new position for Haynes.
  • Jason McIntyre(thebiglead.com) – #27 overall to the Indianapolis Colts. The lack of a consistent pass rush has plagued the Colts’ defense since Dwight Freeney’s departure. It’s conceivable that they would seek an answer for that with their first pick in 2017.
  • Paul Banks(thesportsbank.net) – #28 overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Not exactly sure how Haynes figures into the Seahawks scheme, but if they were to select him it would certainly be a ringing endorsement of his abilities. It would also make him a teammate of former Mississippi State linebacker KJ Wright.

    • Tankathon.com – #30 overall to the Arizona Cardinals. After looking at each of these early 2017 NFL Draft mocks one thing became clear to me. The most likely team to select a player from Ole Miss in the first round next year is Arizona.

    More from Ole Hotty Toddy

    Dane Brugler of CBSsports.com had this to say about the potential first round pick:

    "“Marquis Haynes, DE/LB, Ole Miss: James Harrison and Jarvis Jones might be in their final seasons in Pittsburgh and the Steelers could use more pass rush help to pair with Bud Dupree.”"

    Ryan McCrystal of BleacherReport.com compares Haynes to Myles Jack:

    "“If you’re looking for the next Myles Jack to emerge from this draft class, that guy might be Ole Miss’ Marquis Haynes.  Haynes won’t enter the year with nearly as much hype as Jack, but that may simply be a function of the role he plays with the Rebels.  Ole Miss has been using the 6’3″, 220-pound Haynes at defensive end—that’s right, a 220-pound defensive end.  His explosive speed off the edge helped him generate 10 sacks a season ago, but it’s difficult to imagine him continuing to excel in that role in the NFL.  NFL scouts will be hoping to see Ole Miss use Haynes in a more traditional linebacker role at times this season to help them project his talent to the next level. If he does show off a more versatile skill set in 2016, there’s a chance his stock could skyrocket.”"

    CBSsports.com ranks Haynes as the top junior outside linebacker eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft.

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