2016 NFL Mock Draft: Holiday Update
By Jon Dove
Oct 18, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) advances the ball while being chased by Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
6. Dallas Cowboys (4-9)- Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
Ole Miss’s Robert Nkemdiche is dealing with some legal troubles, but from what we know at this point it should derail his draft stock. However, this now gives teams a reason to dig deeper into his social life and history. Situations like this tend to reveal past issues that could hurt his draft status.
The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones have never been afraid to take a chance on a character risk. Just this past off season they added Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. Jerry Jones values a player’s talent and how he’ll help the team more.
Nkemdiche is the type of player who will make an immediate impact. He’s a disruptive force along the defensive line where shows the ability to get into the backfield. His combination of quickness, snap awareness and strength make him a perfect fit to play the 3-technique in Rod Marinelli’s system.
Dallas would have a tough choice to make if both Nkemdiche and Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith are on the board. Smith is another player who’d fit perfectly in Marinelli’s Tampa-2 defense. He features the speed and movement skills needed to get to the deep middle from his inside linebacker spot.
I also wonder if Jones and company would consider grabbing one of the quarterback prospects as a long-term replacement for Tony Romo.
Next: No. 7 Detroit