Ole Miss football 2021 NFL Draft recap

Over the weekend, three former Ole Miss Rebels had their name called and realized their dream of playing in the National Football League had come true. Wide receiver Elijah Moore, offensive lineman Royce Newman, and tight end Kenny Yeboah are all on their way to playing professional football this week, etching their name in the history books for the most successful draft for the Southeastern Conference.

First off the board on Friday was Moore, going to the New York Jets with the 34th overall pick. Many thought he had a real shot to go on night one to the Tennessee Titans at 22nd overall but general manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel opted for defense.

Nevertheless, No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson got himself a legitimate weapon in the second round. The 2020 All-American was a record-breaking machine last season in Lane Kiffin’s first year in Oxford, breaking AJ Brown’s single season receptions record and damn near breaking the single season receiving yards record in just eight games.

We also got a behind the scenes look at Moore’s draft party where Brown was in attendance. The Titans receiver was obviously excited for his friend and former roommate, sharing this touching moment with all of us.

If you need any indication that Jets fans are excited, Moore’s jersey, which can be pre-ordered at Fanatics, was sold out a mere three hours after he was taken on Friday.

Next to go off the board was offensive lineman Royce Newman to the Packers on Saturday with the 142nd overall pick in the fourth round. Mr. Versatile proved his merit in 2020, moving around from guard to tackle during 2020 in a year when Ole Miss led the SEC in rushing yards per game in Jeff Lebby’s spread power run attack.

Newman’s stock went up after the Reese’s Senior Bowl where was able to showcase his ability to slide inside and outside against some of the nation’s best.

Last but certainly not least was tight end Kenny Yeboah who finally had his name called when the Jets signed him as an undrafted free agent Saturday evening.

Yeboah came to Oxford from Temple for a graduate transfer season and was a welcomed addition to Kiffin and Lebby’s offense, hauling in 27 receptions for 524 yards and six touchdowns. A nagging injury after running his first 40-yard dash at his pro day might’ve scared some teams off, but he is heading to Gotham City with Moore to join Wilson’s new offense under Mike LaFleur.

Yeboah burst onto the scene in week one with an outstanding performance against the Gators, but he really announced his arrival in the Rebels’ back-and-forth game against the eventual national champs.

Yeboah had seven receptions against Alabama for 181 yards and two touchdowns, showing his ability to run after the catch in Ole Miss’ 63-48 loss last September.

All in all, it was another successful NFL Draft for Ole Miss which now boasts 28 current players in the league.