Overview of the NFL Draft Declaration Process

In college football, players must declare for the NFL Draft by a specific deadline, usually in early January. Players who are juniors (third-year players) or older are eligible to enter the draft. However, underclassmen must make a formal declaration to be considered by NFL teams. The decision to declare for the draft is a monumental one for players, as it impacts their professional future.

College players generally need to balance their desire to play professionally with their eligibility to return for another season in college. They also often consult with NFL scouts and agents to get a better understanding of where they might be drafted. In some cases, players choose to stay for another season to improve their draft stock, while others declare early.

The players typically submit their intentions to the NFL via their college’s athletic department, and then they must participate in the NFL Scouting Combine or Pro Day events leading up to the draft.

Ole Miss Football: A Look Back at Recent Seasons

To understand the trajectory of Ole Miss football players who may declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s helpful to look at the team’s performance and key players in recent years. As of 2024, the Ole Miss Rebels have been consistently competitive in the SEC under head coach Lane Kiffin. The team’s offense, led by dynamic quarterbacks and a high-scoring attack, has garnered attention from NFL scouts.

Key Players from Ole Miss in Recent Seasons

Here are a few key players from Ole Miss in recent years who were potential candidates for the NFL Draft in 2024, as their eligibility and talent set the stage for possible declarations:

1. Quinshon Judkins (Running Back): Quinshon Judkins, who had an outstanding freshman season in 2022, was a pivotal part of Ole Miss’ offense in 2023. Known for his speed, vision, and ability to break tackles, Judkins is regarded as one of the top running back prospects in the SEC. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could be one of the top running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. Zach Evans (Running Back): Zach Evans, who transferred to Ole Miss from TCU, is another explosive running back who played alongside Judkins. His combination of size and speed makes him a potential early-round draft pick in the future. As a senior, Evans could also declare for the 2025 NFL Draft if his stock rises in the coming seasons.
3. Jaxson Dart (Quarterback): Jaxson Dart, who transferred from USC to Ole Miss, had a productive 2023 season under Lane Kiffin’s offense. If Dart continues to show growth as a quarterback, his name could be in consideration for the 2025 NFL Draft. The quarterback position is always one of the most highly scouted, and Dart could be an intriguing prospect if he keeps improving.
4. Mason Brooks (Offensive Line): Offensive linemen from SEC schools are always in high demand in the NFL, and Mason Brooks, an important piece of the offensive line, could be another draft candidate for Ole Miss. His physicality and ability to protect the quarterback would make him an intriguing option for NFL teams.
5. Tywone Malone (Defensive Tackle): On defense, Tywone Malone has become a key figure in Ole Miss’ defensive line. Standing at 6’4” and 330 pounds, Malone has the size and strength that NFL teams covet. If he can refine his pass-rush technique, he could be a major prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Impact of Lane Kiffin’s System

Lane Kiffin’s offensive system has proven to be a fertile ground for developing NFL talent. Known for his ability to work with quarterbacks and running backs, Kiffin’s offense allows players to showcase their skills in an up-tempo, pass-heavy system. His offensive schemes help put players in positions to succeed, which translates well for scouts who are evaluating talent for the professional level.

As Kiffin continues to recruit high-level talent to Ole Miss, the program has become an attractive option for future NFL Draft prospects. His success in developing players will be crucial for players declaring for the NFL Draft in 2025.

SEC Talent Pool and NFL Scouting

The SEC remains the top conference in college football when it comes to producing NFL talent. As a part of the SEC, Ole Miss consistently plays in one of the most competitive leagues in college football, with games against teams like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and others. Scouts from NFL teams heavily follow SEC players, as they face some of the best competition in the country.

In addition to team success, Ole Miss players benefit from the visibility that comes from playing in the SEC. Even players from programs that don’t always contend for national championships get plenty of attention. As a result, Ole Miss players are often well-prepared and highly evaluated by NFL teams.

NFL Draft Prospects for 2025

Given the talent on the roster, several Ole Miss players could declare for the 2025 NFL Draft depending on how their careers progress. Players like Judkins and Dart, who have already shown flashes of brilliance, will be key figures in the Rebels’ 2024 season. Their performances will dictate whether they choose to declare early for the draft.

Additionally, Ole Miss’ recruiting efforts in the 2024 and 2025 classes could introduce even more top-tier prospects into the fold. Kiffin’s ability to attract four- and five-star recruits could result in more players emerging as potential draft picks.

declare, we will have a clearer picture of which Ole Miss players will be among those vying for spots in the 2025 NFL Draft.