Could Ole Miss Football Have a Program Record Amount of First-Round Picks in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (2) throws against Mississippi State during the first half of the Egg Bowl
Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (2) throws against Mississippi State during the first half of the Egg Bowl / Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger / USA
facebooktwitterreddit

Ole Miss Football had zero first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, 2025 will be a different story.

The program record for first-round draft picks out of Ole Miss Football is three, which happened in the 2016 draft. Laremy Tunsil, Laqoun Treadwell, and Robert Nkemdiche were all selected in the first round in 2016. However, in 2025, that record has the potential to be broken.

The Rebels boast a formidable roster, with several draft-eligible players in 2025. The question is, could some of these players make it to the first round?

Jaxson Dart, Quarterback

As Jaxson Dart enters his fourth year in college, his potential as a first-round pick is undeniable. With a productive season in 2024, he could easily make his mark. Dart's growth at Ole Miss, particularly as a passer, is a testament to his dedication and talent. 

The quarterback landscape for the 2025 class is an enigma, with no clear standout leaders who would be high picks. Dart, with his potential and a few areas to fine-tune, could be the one to break the mold.

Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle

When Walter Nolen transferred in from Texas A&M, Ole Mis received a stud defensive lineman. This will continue at the next level, with Nolen looking for a massive chance of being selected in the first round.

Nolen has the physical tools that NFL scouts will love—power, strength, and fluid movements. Although very raw, his ceiling is high, and with a season where he can show improvement from his time with the Aggies, he likely will be a first-round selection.

Princely Umanmielen, Edge

Another transfer for this season, Princely Umanmielen, is one of the more likely to be picked in the first round in 2025. However, Umanmielen has picked up an injury that will rule him out for at least a small chunk of the season. If he does manage to get onto the field, he should be able to showcase why he is a first-round prospect.

Antwane Wells & Tre Harris, Wide Receivers

Wide receivers Antwane Wells and Tre Harris have a good chance of sneaking into the back end of the first round. Although they are older prospects, they have high-end attributes that can make them desirable players at the next level.

Wells is a YAC machine who plays physical football and is excellent at contest catches. Harris is a little different in style. He can stretch the field with his speed and is a great ball tracker. His route running is also a top attribute in his game.

Several other players have outside chances of making the first round in 2025: offensive guards Nate Kalepo and Julius Buelow and linebacker Chris Paul. All the mentioned players will need to have strong seasons. However, the NFL 2025 Draft could be a record-breaking one for the Ole Miss Football program.

feed