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4 Biggest draft busts in Ole Miss football history

We all know the names Eli Manning, DK Metcalf, and Patrick Willis to come out of Ole Miss. The Rebels have produced a lot of stars, but what about the players that were destined to have a big career, but fell short?

By Ericka Brockish

Aug 24, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (11) runs after the catch against the Seattle Seahawks.
Aug 24, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (11) runs after the catch against the Seattle Seahawks. / Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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When you hear Ole Miss football, which player do you think of first? Do you think of Eli Manning, the only quarterback to ever beat Tom Brady twice in a Super Bowl? Or do you think of Patrick Willis, Hall of Fame linebacker who played for the San Fransisco 49ers his entire career?

If you are on the younger side, you might think of receivers like DK Metcalf and AJ Brown who are lighting up the league in so many ways. We remember guys like this because they have made a lot of noise in the league on the field and they are and were good at what they do.

So we remember the great ones, but what about the ones that were supposed to be great? There are lots of guys in the league that go in the first round that are supposed to be game-changers for their team, but they fall short.

So here are four of the biggest busts in Ole Miss football history.

Ole Miss draft busts. 2018 NFL Draft. Breeland Speaks. player. . Round 2, Pick 46. Breeland Speaks. 4. . 124

Yes, Breeland Speaks was not a first-round pick, but even if you are a second-round pick, you are expected to do more than what Speaks did. Speaks was an EDGE that was expected to build up the Chiefs' defense.

While he appeared in 16 games during his rookie season, Speaks only started four and recorded just 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. When he reported to camp the following season, Speak was overweight and landed on injured reserve. He was then suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy and was cut before the 2020 season.

Speaks has attempted to get on with other teams, but nothing has stuck. His latest attempt was with the Bills in December 2022 but was released after just five days on their practice squad. Speaks decided to play for the USFL, then in 2023 was released to sign with an NFL team. He signed with the 49ers on a one-year deal but was waived two weeks later.