1. Jahmyr Gibbs – Running Back (No. 1 in Ole Miss Draft Prospects)
Jahmyr Gibbs, a standout running back, has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying players in college football. The 6’1″, 210-pound back has been a force in both the running and passing games at Ole Miss. With over 1,000 yards rushing in his final season, Gibbs has shown the ability to break tackles and accelerate through defenses at top speed. His vision and shiftiness in tight spaces have made him a problem for defenders, and his combination of power and finesse is rare in a running back.
Gibbs is also an excellent receiving option out of the backfield. His versatility allows him to be an asset in multiple facets of the game, making him a desirable commodity for NFL teams looking to add a dual-threat player. With his impressive physical attributes, vision, and hands, Gibbs has all the tools to succeed at the next level.
Projected Draft Position: Mid to late first round
Strengths: Vision, speed, pass-catching ability, versatility
Concerns: Can be inconsistent in blocking schemes, durability issues
2. Mingo Cooper – Wide Receiver (No. 3)
Mingo Cooper has been one of the standout receivers for Ole Miss, and his performance in 2024 certainly elevated his draft stock. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 215 pounds, Cooper has the physical tools to compete at the NFL level. His combination of size, speed, and physicality makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add a big, fast receiver to their roster.
Cooper possesses the ability to win contested catches, and his length gives him an edge in jump ball situations. He is also an effective route runner who has the ability to stretch the field vertically or work the intermediate game. Cooper’s blend of size and speed is rare in a receiver, and he could be an ideal target for teams looking to add a potential No. 1 wide receiver to their roster.
Projected Draft Position: Late first round to early second round
Strengths: Size, speed, ability to win contested catches
Concerns: Needs to refine route running, can improve consistency in separating from defenders
3. Mikael McGee – Quarterback (No. 7)
Mikael McGee has been a revelation at the quarterback position for Ole Miss, showing both physical talent and mental fortitude under center. Standing 6’5″ and weighing around 225 pounds, McGee possesses the ideal frame for an NFL quarterback. His arm strength is one of his defining attributes, and he can make all the throws necessary to succeed at the next level.
McGee has made significant strides as a decision-maker, minimizing turnovers while pushing the ball down the field. His mobility in and out of the pocket is impressive, and he is more than capable of making plays with his legs when necessary. However, his accuracy and consistency can be improved, particularly on deeper passes and in high-pressure situations. Despite some areas needing refinement, McGee’s upside is evident, and NFL teams are certainly taking notice.
Projected Draft Position: Early second to third round
Strengths: Arm strength, mobility, decision-making
Concerns: Accuracy, needs refinement in deep-ball accuracy
4. Sione Okafor – Linebacker (No. 12)
Sione Okafor, a versatile linebacker for Ole Miss, has shown tremendous potential as both a run stopper and pass rusher. At 6’2″ and 240 pounds, Okafor has the size and speed to be an impactful player at the next level. His ability to read plays and react quickly has been key to his success in the SEC. Okafor is strong at shedding blockers and making tackles in space, but his most impressive trait is his ability to blitz effectively and pressure the quarterback.
As a linebacker who can do a little bit of everything, Okafor fits well in schemes that require versatility. His ability to play both inside and outside linebacker roles makes him a valuable commodity for NFL teams looking to improve their linebacker corps. His pass coverage is still a work in progress, but his overall skill set makes him one of the top linebackers in this draft class.
Projected Draft Position: Mid second to third round
Strengths: Versatility, speed, ability to pressure the quarterback
Concerns: Coverage skills, tackling consistency
5. Tyler Smith – Offensive Tackle (No. 18)
Tyler Smith, a dominant offensive tackle for Ole Miss, has proven himself as one of the best linemen in college football. At 6’6″ and 320 pounds, Smith has the ideal size and strength to handle the best pass rushers in the NFL. His quick feet and strong hands allow him to protect the quarterback and create lanes in the running game. He’s especially known for his ability to dominate in the run-blocking game, pushing defenders off the ball with ease.
Despite his immense talent, Smith’s technical skills can be inconsistent, especially in pass protection against elite speed rushers. He will need to refine his hand placement and footwork to ensure he can block at the highest level. However, his natural strength and ability to move defenders will make him a high-upside prospect for NFL teams.
Projected Draft Position: Late first round to early second round
Strengths: Size, strength, run-blocking ability
Concerns: Inconsistent pass protection, needs to refine technique
6. Chris James – Defensive End (No. 22)
Chris James, a pass-rushing specialist for Ole Miss, has impressed scouts with his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 260 pounds, James has the frame of a prototypical edge rusher. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to bend around the edge make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. James can also play in a variety of schemes, giving him versatility as a potential 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end.
James’ major concern entering the draft process is his ability to hold up against the run. While he excels as a pass rusher, he must develop his strength and ability to shed blockers in the run game. That being said, his upside as a pure pass rusher is undeniable, and he will be a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their pass-rush attack.
Projected Draft Position: Early second to mid second round
Strengths: Pass-rush ability, versatility, explosiveness
Concerns: Run defense, consistency against the run
7. Kendall Rogers – Safety (No. 26)
Kendall Rogers has developed into one of the most versatile safeties in the nation during his time at Ole Miss. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 205 pounds, Rogers has the size and physicality to excel both in the box and in coverage. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and his instincts for making big plays have allowed him to create turnovers for his defense. He is also effective in run support, delivering crushing hits to ball carriers.
While Rogers is a strong tackler and a versatile defender, he has been known to take unnecessary risks at times, leading to blown assignments or missed tackles. His coverage skills need improvement, particularly in man-to-man situations. However, his versatility as a safety and his ability to cover ground quickly make him an intriguing prospect.
Projected Draft Position: Late second round
Strengths: Versatility, football IQ, ability to create turnovers
Concerns: Coverage skills, overaggressive tendencies
8. Nick Hamilton – Cornerback (No. 33)
Nick Hamilton has been a lockdown corner for Ole Miss, and his combination of speed, quickness, and football IQ makes him one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing 6’0″ and weighing 195 pounds, Hamilton has the physical tools to be a top-tier cover corner. He excels in press-man coverage but also has the quickness to stick with receivers in off-man situations. His ball skills and ability to create turnovers are impressive, and he consistently shows the ability to get in the passing lane.
One area Hamilton can improve is his tackling, as he tends to take poor angles and struggle to finish plays. However, his coverage skills and ability to make plays on the ball put him in the conversation as one of the top corners in this draft class.
Projected Draft Position: Early second to mid second round
Strengths: Coverage skills, ball skills, football IQ
Concerns: Tackling, can be inconsistent against physical receivers
9. Brandon Johnson – Defensive Tackle (No. 36)
Brandon Johnson has proven himself to be one of the best interior defensive linemen in college football. At 6’4″ and 310 pounds, Johnson possesses the ideal size and strength to be a disruptive force at the next level. His ability to clog running lanes, generate pressure up the middle, and disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm has been a key part of Ole Miss’ defensive success.
Johnson’s biggest strength is his ability to push the pocket from the interior, and he shows flashes of developing into an elite pass rusher. However, he will need to continue refining his technique, particularly his hand usage and ability to shed blockers. Nonetheless, his size and strength make him a strong prospect for teams in need of an interior defensive lineman.
Projected Draft Position: Mid to late second round
Strengths: Size, strength, pass-rush potential
Concerns: Needs to refine technique, inconsistent in controlling blockers
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