Considered one of the top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report's Luke Easterling has Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche going to the Redskins in his most recent mock draft.
Could a prospect that's been projected as high as a top-five pick in the 2016 NFL Draft land with the Washington Redskins at the 21st-overall pick?
Check out images of defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche during his collegiate career at Ole Miss.
Bleacher Report's Luke Easterling believes so, as he has Ole Miss defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche going to the Redskins in his latest mock draft.
"Washington could go in many different directions with this pick," Easterling said. "Kirk Cousins has established himself as the quarterback of at least the near future, giving Washington the flexibility to let the draft come to it in the first round."
While Nkemdiche has dealt with a recent legal matter, Easterling adds that "there's no denying his on-field talent."
"If he happens to tumble on draft day, expect some team in this range to take a chance on him. He's versatile and disruptive, powerful and explosive and could be the steal of the draft if he stays out of trouble and plays up to his potential," Easterling said.
Nkemdiche, 21, in 2015 was a second-team All American and one of four finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation's most versatile player.
The Loganville, Ga., native was also a finalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award, presented to the top defensive lineman or linebacker in the country, and the Chuck Bednarik Award, for the best defensive player.
Nkemdiche appeared in 11 games in 2015, recording a career-high eight tackles for loss along with two sacks.
In a 43-37 upset victory over the National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide on Sept. 19, the 6-foot-4, 296 pounder tallied a season-high six tackles.
Nkemdiche was a difference maker in Ole Miss' rivalry game victory over Mississippi State on Nov. 28, as he recorded 1.5 sacks.
During his sophomore season in 2014, Nkemdiche was selected as an AP second-team All-American and a first-team All-SEC selection after logging 35 tackles (four for loss), two sacks and a pass defensed.
In his first collegiate season in 2013, Nkemdiche was selected to the Freshman All-America team after totaling 29 tackles (seven for loss), a career-high three sacks and two passes defensed.
According to his NFL.com draft profile, Nkemdiche has an "exception build" that "carries no bad weight and has outstanding thickness and power through his rear, thighs and calves."
"Plus movement skills and runs like a defensive end. Has reactive explosiveness for expanded range as tackler near line of scrimmage. Wrap up finisher who won't allow running backs out of his grasp. Plays with good lateral quickness and can win the race across the face of blockers. Played stronger at point of attack this year. Proved he could penetrate and 2-gap. Showed noticeable improvement as pass rusher this season. Has a decent spin move as pass rusher and plays with the power to force his way through a guard's shoulder and into the backfield. Improved quarterback pressures from 13 to 26 this year."
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein likens Nkemdiche to current Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd.
A first-round pick in 2013, Floyd has 57 tackles, 9.5 sacks and a forced fumble in four seasons.
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