The 7 Highest-Drafted Ole Miss Football Players Since the 2000 NFL Draft

2. Patrick Willis, LB - Pick 11 in the 2007 NFL Draft

One of the greatest Ole Miss players in program history was drafted with pick 11 in the 2007 draft. San Fransisco selected Patrick Willis, the first linebacker in the draft before Lawrence Timmons, who was selected at No. 15.

In his final season with the Rebels, Willis won the Butkus Award, the Jack Lambert Trophy and the Conerly Trophy. He also won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year while making the First-Team All-SEC team and a First-Team All-American.

The awards didn't stop after college, as Willis was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007. Aside from his final season in 2014, Willis made the Pro Bowl every season, five times as a First-team All-Pro. The Tennessee native led the league in tackles in the 2007 and 2009 seasons.

Willis finished his short career in the NFL after the 2014 season, with injuries playing a significant part in his retirement. During his eight seasons with the 49ers, Willis made 950 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and 8 interceptions. The stats are more impressive because Willis played most of his career with injuries.

Since his retirement, Willis has made the 49ers Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. Most recently, on February 8, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his second year as a finalist.