Robert Nkemdiche Scouting Report, DE/DT, Ole Miss, 2016 NFL Draft

Introduction

Hometown: Loganville, Georgia

High School: Grayson

Recruitment: 5 stars and #1 Recruit in the nation

Injuries/Discipline: 2015 Fell out of a hotel window and suspected of marijuana use

2015 Suspended from the Sugar Bowl

Measurables

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 294

Class: Junior

40 Time: 4.87

Stats

Positives

• Extremely athletic

• Is very strong at the point of attack

• Has very good speed for a man his size

• Shoots gaps with ease

• Can run down ball carriers

• Has been very disruptive

• Double teamed constantly

Negatives

• Huge character concerns

• Needs to prove his commitment to football

• Conditioning

• Will have to develop as a pass rusher

• Doesn’t have great awareness

• Needs to get better at finishing plays

Conclusion

There is no denying the talent that Robert Nkemdiche has. It’s his off the field antics that will determine where he falls in the draft. After falling out of a hotel window, and suspected of marijuana use, his stock has been in freefall. I am usually willing to forgive players that make mistakes, as long as they own up to them, and persevere. With Nkemdiche, I see way too many similarities to another talented DT named Sheldon Richardson. It might be a huge mistake putting those two next to each other next year. I know most people don’t want us drafting another DT anyway. In reality, Muhammad Wilkerson could be traded soon, and Mike Maccagnan has proven that he loves taking the BPA. If it weren’t for his character concerns, Robert would undoubtedly be a top 10 pick, if not top 5. Now there is a real chance he could be there at 20 when we pick. If he interviews well, and convinces our management his mistakes are behind him, it is not out of the realm of possible that we could be taking another DT in round 1. I on the other hand think we should pass, and go to the next BPA.

Draft Grade: 92

90-100 = Exceptional Talent

80-90 = Impact Player

70-80 = NFL Starter

60-70 = Solid NFL Potential

50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed

>50 = Undraftable, - Long Shot To Stick