The 2019 NFL Combine begins February 26 in Indianapolis and Ole Miss football will be well represented with nine Rebels participating.
Even though the 2018 Ole Miss football season may have been disappointing the Rebels still received a substantial amount of attention from pro scouts. The Rebels had one of the top offenses in the SEC and in the nation and were productive. Despite all of the events which ensued there were a number of Rebels who participated in postseason All-Star games and the scouts there took notice.
While most Rebels fans expected to see a large number of Rebels in the 2019 NFL Draft it was still surprising to many to see nine players invited to the 2019 NFL Combine. The nine Rebels who are attending the highly anticipated NFL event are the 4th most by any school with players participating. This is huge for every Rebels player involved, the Ole Miss football program and recruiting. We take a look at the Rebels invited.
The NWO
Ole Miss Rebels
Most Ole Miss football fans had already figured out the NWO would be a major focus for NFL scouts after the seasons they had in 2018. Of course, we knew AJ Brown and DaMarkus Lodge would be in the mix and then it was announced DK Metcalf had been cleared to participate.
All-American AJ Brown finished the 2018 season with 85 receptions for 1,320 yards and 6 TDs. DaMarkus Lodge finished the season with 65 receptions for 877 yards and 4 TDs while DK Metcalf, despite a season ending injury, ended up with 26 catches for 569 yards and 5 TDs. Without a doubt these three WRs are the best trio in Ole Miss football history.
The QB
There really is no surprise Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta’amu was also invited to the 2019 NFL Combine. Jordan Ta’amu has excelled at the QB position while not even being expected to be a starter for the Rebels when he signed with them out of New Mexico Military Institute. Ta’amu finished the 2018 season with a 153.54 passer rating while completing 266 of 418 attempts for 3,918 yards and 19 TDs while throwing 8 INTs. Ta’amu was truly a welcomed surprise off the bench and will rock the 2019 NFL Combine.
The Front Men
Every great offense may have its star quarterback and specialty players but success usually depends on the players who make up the front. All-American Greg Little and Javon Patterson will both be at the 2019 NFL Combine and are solid invites for NFL scouts. At 6’6 and 325lbs Little has been tested every week within the SEC and is All-American for a reason. Patterson has also been a great lineman for the Rebels during his career and at 6’3 310lbs has proven he can play in the SEC anywhere on the offensive line.
The Tight End
Over the years Ole Miss football has seen some great tight-ends. Dawson Knox is no exception to the Ole Miss tradition and has been a solid TE for the Rebels over his career. While Knox didn’t get as many looks this season as fans would have liked to have seen we know Knox is very fast and sure-handed which most NFL scouts look at. What most of us have taken for granted is his blocking ability both on the line and downfield. Knox finished the 2018 season with just 15 receptions but racked up 284 yards for a 23.67 YPC average. What scouts should keep in mind is the fact Knox played QB in high school
Then On Defense
Rounding out the invites there are two Rebels on the defensive side of the ball and both happen to be defensive backs. Cornerback Ken Webster and safety Zedrick Woods both received invites for the 2019 NFL Combine. Despite the Rebels bad defense on the field both players had good 2018 seasons. Webster finished the season with 33 tackles, 2 INTs and 6 pass break ups. Woods finished 2018 as the second tackler on the team with 79 stops. Woods also had 2 INTs and 4 pass break ups to go with 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumbles.
When you look at these nine players and their stats its easy to see why they received invitations to the 2019 NFL Combine. When you look at these nine players you can see where they have given their all for Ole Miss football. OHT will continue to follow all of these former Rebels as they look ahead in their careers. Please be sure to check back here at OHT for further updates heading into the 2019 NFL Combine. Good luck Rebels! Hotty Toddy!