Last week the annual NFL Draft took place in Kansas City and four Ole Miss football alumni heard their names called by an NFL team. Many more didn’t get a call on draft night but signed to an NFL team following the event’s conclusion.
Jonathan Mingo, Zach Evans, Tavius Robinson, and Nick Broeker were the four Rebels selected in the 2023 NFL Draft last weekend. You can read about which teams they were drafted by and where they were taken here. Since the Draft’s conclusion, six more Ole Miss Rebels have signed as an undrafted free agent for various NFL Teams, we will list each one here.
Malik Heath, Wide Receiver – Green Bay Packers
Despite Mingo being a second-round pick for the Carolina Panthers, Malik Heath had more production for Ole Miss football this past year. Heath was the leading receiver for the Rebels with 60 receptions for 971 yards and 5 touchdowns.
His 971 yards ranked third in the SEC and earned him third-team All-SEC honors from Pro Football Focus. Heath likely wound up undrafted due to a poor NFL Combine showing running a 4.64 40-yard dash and posting a 34” vertical.
While his Combine numbers weren’t great, his production speaks for itself and he could step in and help a young Green Bay receiving corps right away.
Troy Brown, Linebacker – New York Giants
One of the cornerstone pieces from the Ole Miss defense last year, Troy Brown will be trying to make the roster for the New York Giants. Appearing in all 13 games with 12 starts, Brown led Ole Miss football in tackles this past season with 93. He was second on the team in pass breakups with five.
Mason Brooks, Offensive Line – Washington Commanders
Mason Brooks spent his first four years at Western Kentucky before transferring to play for the Rebels this past season. He contributed to an offensive line that produced 3,336 team rushing yards and 33 touchdowns for Ole Miss in 2022.
Brooks played in all 13 games, starting the first few at tackle and he saw action as a reserve offensive lineman and on special teams.
AJ Finley, Safety – Los Angeles Rams
Another key piece from the Ole Miss defense, safety AJ Finley will be taking his talents to LA, signing a contract with the Rams. He will be joining Rams sixth-round pick, Ole Miss football teammate Zach Evans in Los Angeles.
Finley was third on the team in total tackles last year tallying 76 total tackles and ranked first on the team with solo tackles with 46. He also added two interceptions and a forced fumble for the Rebels defense.
KD Hill, Defensive Line – New York Jets
Also headed to New York, but for the Jets instead of the Giants, is defensive tackle KD Hill. Hill was the recipient of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award in 2022 for Ole Miss football.
While splitting time in a rotational role on the defensive line, the 6’1 310 pound Hill notched 21 tackles and a sack this past year.
Otis Reese, Safety – Tennessee Titans
Running mate and fellow safety along with AJ Finley, Ole Miss safety Otis Reese signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans.
Reese was the second leading tackler on the team for Ole Miss football this past year with 84 total tackles, eight of those coming for a loss. He also notched 3 sacks, one fumble recovery, and an interception.