Fansided

Will accident have an impact on Robert Nkemdiche’s draft stock?

By Dani Bostick

Sep 13, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) steps up to the line during the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) steps up to the line during the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

How will Ole Miss Rebels DL Robert Nkemdiche’s recent accident affect his draft stock?

Robert Nkemdiche made headlines over the weekend, but not for his on-field prowess. The freakishly athletic defensive lineman from Ole Miss had fallen out of a hotel window at the Grand Hyatt in Atlanta. Reported to be in stable condition, the details of the case were disturbing.

In addition to finding a small amount of what was assumed to be marijuana in the room, police revealed, “It appears that the victim broke the window and then walked approximately 15 feet and climbed over a wall and fell approximately 15 feet.”

A top prospect in the 2016 draft, prior to this incident, Nkemdiche was praised for his preternatural play-making abilities, ninja-like agility, and superhuman power. For his versatility, he was named a finalist for the Hornung Award, an honor that recognizes the country’s most versatile player. Able to put constant pressure on quarterbacks, make key tackles, and terrorize opposing offenses, even when double-teamed, Nkemdiche was projected to be an immediate impact-maker in the NFL.

Nkemdiche’s accident comes on the heals of a hospitalization, under mysterious and undisclosed circumstances, of his brother Denzel, also a star football player at Ole Miss. It appears Nkemdiche will make a full recovery. Despite the harrowing fall, the athlete is in stable condition, suffering from multiple cuts, according to Cody Chaffins of Fox5 Atlanta.

Many current NFL players exhibited poor judgment in college and went on to have successful careers. Nonetheless, character deficits can hurt players’ draft stock. In the 2015 draft, Missouri defensive end Shane Ray received negative press for marijuana use. Offensive tackle La’el Collins was a sure first-round pick before he was involved in a murder investigation (not as a suspect.)

Marijuana use is not unusual among college athletes.

However, marijuana use coupled with other character concerns, brushes with the law, and other risk factors can be sources of concern for NFL teams’ management.

Nkemdiche will be one of the most talented players in the 2016 draft. He will have a lot to explain, however, to potential employers.

Home/College Football