NFL Draft Prospect Watch: Robert Nkemdiche
Sep 26, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) and defensive end Channing Ward (11) pressure Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State Buckeye’s defensive end Joey Bosa is the most overrated prospect for the 2016 NFL Draft. He’s a great player that’s going to do well in the NFL but comparisons to J.J. Watt are going too far. As a matter of fact, best prospect for the 2016 NFL Draft is going too far.
The scouting media tackle raves about his incredible burst off the edge that I simply don’t see. The guy that wins with speed is Texan A&M’s Myles Garrett, who’s not eligible for the draft until 2017. He’s more of a power-rusher that has solid technique and hand-fighting skills.
He’s also the beneficiary of one-on-one blocking because he plays on the best d-line in college football. While the scouting media is quick to heap all the praise on Bosa, defensive tackle Adolphus Washington, a borderline 1st-round prospect, is there to take the double-teams.
Opposite defensive tackle Tommy Schutt and end Tyquan Lewis, the team’s leader in sacks, are just as much a part of the success their d-line has. Ohio State also has two outside linebackers could go in the first round in 2016. Bosa getting the double and triple-teams Watt gets in the NFL would be suicide.
However, Ole’ Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche takes all of his team’s double and triple-teams. Opposing offenses can’t do anything without it and he’s the only defensive lineman on the team on his level. At 6’3″, 290 pounds, Nkemdiched is a powerhouse that’s about as athletic as it gets for a man his size.
He so athletic, he often lines up in the backfield in short-yardage and goalline situations and put the ball in his hands. Unfortunately, he was knocked out of his game against Memphis Saturday with a concussion. Nkemdiche has only 17 tackles, 5.5 for a loss with 1.5 sacks so far this year while soaking up the double and triple-teams.
He wasn’t even able to do that too much because of the concussion he ended up with Saturday. Ole’ Miss is praying right now that his concussion isn’t one that lasts long because they really need him. With opposing teams game-planning for him, his defensive line mates and linebackers get a chance to make plays.