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Title: Two Ole Miss Rebels in the First Round: A Look at the Latest NFL Mock Draft Selections

The NFL draft is one of the most anticipated events of the year for football fans, analysts, and scouts alike. The 2025 draft is shaping up to be a highly competitive event, and Ole Miss, a school known for producing NFL talent, is expected to be well-represented. In the most recent mock draft, two Ole Miss Rebels—offensive tackle John Latham and wide receiver Jaxson Wrigh—have been projected to go in the first round, solidifying their positions as two of the top prospects in this year’s class. In this article, we will dive deep into the profiles of both Latham and Wrigh, exploring their performances at Ole Miss, their strengths and weaknesses, and what they could bring to an NFL team.

John Latham: The Offensive Line Anchor

Position: Offensive Tackle

Height: 6’6″
Weight: 325 lbs
School: Ole Miss
Projected Pick: 7th overall (to the Arizona Cardinals)

John Latham is one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class, and it’s no surprise to see him projected as a top-10 pick in the first round. Latham’s career at Ole Miss has been a testament to his incredible skill set, his maturity in the trenches, and his unwavering commitment to his team. As the leader of the Rebels’ offensive line, Latham displayed the versatility and technical proficiency that scouts covet in a top-tier offensive tackle.

Latham’s journey began in his freshman year, where he immediately earned a starting role and quickly grew into one of the best pass protectors in college football. Over his three seasons at Ole Miss, Latham consistently showcased his ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside, a crucial skill for any left tackle. His physicality, combined with his agility and awareness, made him a nightmare for defensive linemen, particularly in pass-heavy systems. He also excelled in the run game, using his size and strength to open up lanes for the Rebels’ running backs.

Strengths:

1. Size and Athleticism: Latham’s 6’6″ frame and 325-pound build give him a natural advantage over many defensive ends and linebackers. His long arms help him keep defenders at bay, while his lower body strength allows him to drive opponents off the ball with ease. Despite his size, Latham displays remarkable quickness, enabling him to handle speed rushers and adjust to stunts and twists.
2. Pass Protection: One of Latham’s most impressive traits is his ability to protect the quarterback in obvious passing situations. His quick footwork and excellent hand placement allow him to mirror defenders and shut down any attempt to get to the quarterback. Latham rarely gets beaten off the edge, and when he does lose leverage, his length and recovery speed make it difficult for defenders to capitalize.
3. Football IQ: Latham is a student of the game. His ability to read defenses, adjust to pre-snap movements, and recognize blitz packages gives him a major edge over other prospects. This high football IQ is crucial for a tackle, as it helps Latham anticipate rushes and adjust in real-time.
4. Versatility: While Latham has primarily played left tackle at Ole Miss, he has the versatility to shift to the right side if necessary. His ability to adapt to various offensive schemes and roles makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of a reliable offensive lineman.

Weaknesses:

1. Occasional Balance Issues: While Latham is generally solid in both pass protection and the run game, there are moments where he can get a bit off-balance when moving laterally. This can cause him to lose leverage against more powerful defenders or speed rushers.
2. Tendency to Overreach: In some situations, Latham tends to overreach when engaging defenders, especially when attempting to drive block in the running game. This can lead to him being off-balance or overextending, leaving himself vulnerable to counter moves.

NFL Projection:

Latham’s combination of size, athleticism, and technical skill make him one of the top offensive line prospects in this draft class. He is projected to go in the top 10, with the Arizona Cardinals being a potential landing spot. Arizona needs a reliable tackle to protect their franchise quarterback and give their offense stability in the trenches. Latham’s ability to start from Day 1 and make an immediate impact in both the passing and running game makes him an ideal selection for the Cardinals.

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Jaxson Wrigh: The Dynamic Playmaker

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 210 lbs
School: Ole Miss
Projected Pick: 15th overall (to the Dallas Cowboys)

Jaxson Wrigh is a versatile and explosive wide receiver who played a pivotal role in Ole Miss’ high-powered offense during his time with the Rebels. Wrigh is known for his physical style of play, elite ball skills, and ability to make plays both inside and outside. His performances in college football earned him widespread recognition as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft class.

Wrigh’s skill set is not just limited to his ability to catch passes; he is an elite route runner, capable of creating separation from defenders with ease. He is also incredibly dangerous after the catch, utilizing his vision, speed, and elusiveness to turn short passes into long gains. Over the course of his career at Ole Miss, Wrigh accumulated impressive numbers, earning a reputation as one of the most reliable and dynamic playmakers in college football.

Strengths:

1. Size and Physicality: At 6’2″ and 210 pounds, Wrigh possesses an ideal size for an NFL wide receiver. He combines his size with impressive physicality, which allows him to outmuscle defenders in contested catch situations. He is difficult to bring down after the catch due to his combination of strength and agility.
2. Route Running: Wrigh is an elite route runner, showing the ability to create separation at all levels of the field. Whether it’s running quick slants or deep fades, Wrigh’s quickness off the line of scrimmage and ability to change direction smoothly make him a nightmare for defensive backs.
3. YAC (Yards After Catch): One of Wrigh’s most dangerous traits is his ability to make plays after the catch. He is incredibly difficult to tackle in open space, displaying the vision, balance, and agility to break tackles and extend plays downfield. This ability gives him added value as a playmaker in the NFL.
4. Playmaking Ability: Wrigh has a natural instinct for making big plays, whether it’s a long touchdown reception or a crucial third-down conversion. His ability to elevate his play in high-pressure situations makes him a valuable weapon in any offense.

Weaknesses:

1. Occasional Drops: While Wrigh has incredible hands overall, he has been known to drop some easy passes on occasion. This is something that he will need to refine in the NFL, where ball security and consistency are paramount.
2. Needs to Improve Blocking: Although Wrigh is a solid blocker, there are times when he struggles to sustain blocks for his running backs or other receivers. In the NFL, being a well-rounded player is important, and improving his blocking skills will help him stay on the field for all situations.

NFL Projection:

Wrigh is expected to be selected in the middle of the first round, with the Dallas Cowboys being a team that would benefit greatly from his skill set. With a high-octane passing attack that features Dak Prescott, the Cowboys would love to add a player like Wrigh to their receiving corps. His ability to stretch the field, make plays in the open field, and create separation would provide a dynamic threat for the Cowboys’ offense. Pairing Wrigh with their existing receiving weapons could transform their passing game into one of the most potent in the NFL.

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