Robert Nkemdiche -- Ole Miss DL

[Superman]

Incredible prospect. Makes me wish we were going to pick in the top five. He's going to be an absolute monster, assuming he puts in the work. Better than Leonard Williams, Danny Shelton, Jordan Philips, etc.

 

Size: Listed at 6'4", 296, so good size for any defensive front. Not a nose, obviously, but he could play 1/3/5, and has the athleticism to play end on run downs in a four man front. 5/5

 

Athleticism: Incredible athlete. Has quickness, burst, power, balance, agility, incredible closing burst, and he can open up and run like someone 50 pounds lighter. https://cdn.*/video/mp4/51gs.mp4If he gets through off balance, can stay on his feet and close to the ball. Basically can do anything you want a defensive lineman to do, except take off and fly. 10/10

 

Pass rushing ability: He spends a lot of time being double teamed, and has developed the ability to use his burst to split blockers. He has a spin move, a rip, and a bull rush. Often takes himself out by failing to stay square, or losing his footing by leaning forward too far. Undisciplined at times, but the ability is obvious. 8/10

 

Run game ability: Same thing, can push, can shoot gaps, can stay square and control two gaps. He has pretty good recognition, though again, sometimes takes himself out of a play. If he sees any daylight, he can be in the backfield in a flash. Prone to coming in too high, making him better suited for 3/4 end, particularly on early downs. He can anchor at times, but doesn't do so regularly. 8/10

 

Technical ability: Not a technically proficient player, as he's able to win on sheer talent. Good hand punch, good hand fighting, good footwork, but as mentioned, can lean too far and lose footing, gets turned around and washed out, uses his excellent spin move at the wrong time, often spinning right into help. He can stay square and play straight up, but is likely encouraged to go out and make plays with abandon. 5/10

 

Versatility: Already touched on, but can play multiple positions in multiple fronts. Can handle tackles and interior blockers, can shoot gaps, can pass rush from the outside and inside, etc. Everything but a nose tackle. 4/5

 

Tackling: Excellent tackler, finishes plays when he gets his hands on the ball carrier. Sometimes pulls off rather than driving through, but seems to always get his man, even if he temporarily loses his footing. 4/5

 

Play recognition: Good job identifying screens, counters, beating pulling guards, etc. Sometimes overruns or chooses the wrong gap, they'll stunt him at times which is a waste. Sometimes comes out of his gap, which seems more like a playmaking thing than a lack of awareness thing. He would actually be well served to slow down at times. 7/10

 

Overall: 51/65, high first rounder

 

Scheme fit: 5/5, would be a perfect fit in the Colts front, and even if you run a 4 man front he fits just fine. 

[MTC]

My favorite player in the entire draft. Excellent write up. 

[Derakynn]

We could pick in the top 5. Just drop the next 8 games. 

[RealityIsLuck]

Him and Bosa are already my two favorites to go 1 and 2 in the draft. 

[Moncrief]

So what you're trying to say is... Tank for Nkemdiche . It'd be nice to have him fall a bit so we could potentially swing a trade up for him

[Defjamz26]

It's not impossible for him to fall. I think BR and Fanspeak are predicting the Colts picking at 14th overall. Given the needs at OT and QB with most teams who'll be picking early, it's not impossible for him to fall to us.

[Patagonia Chris]

It seems like I've been hearing about this kid for the last decade. Excited to see what he can do at the pro level. Seems like the only knock on the kid is that he was friends with Marshall Henderson. (Partially joking)

[Superman]

It's not impossible for him to fall. I think BR and Fanspeak are predicting the Colts picking at 14th overall. Given the needs at OT and QB with most teams who'll be picking early, it's not impossible for him to fall to us.

Assuming we win the division, we pick no higher than #21. He won't fall that far unless he does something stupid between now and then.

[Superman]

Him and Bosa are already my two favorites to go 1 and 2 in the draft.

Bosa is next for me to watch. Might do Myles Jack since his season is already over, save Bosa until they play Michigan.

[SP_21]

Bosa is next for me to watch. Might do Myles Jack since his season is already over, save Bosa until they play Michigan.

Myles Jack is an absolute stud. You'll have fun watching him.

[Superman]

Didn't do an NFL comparison, and don't forget that I'm not good at these, but he reminds me of Michael Bennett from Seattle. Just bigger and more explosive. He actually plays a lot like Henry Anderson did at Stanford, but again, far more explosive. Both get too high at times, can get turned around, can lean too much and wind up on the ground, but also have good hands and feet and can shoot gaps and get upfield quickly.

[BrentMc11]

I too like Nkemdiche.  I feel Bosa may be an injury waiting to happen in the NFL.  Nkemdiche is going to be 'bad to the bone.'

[Superman]

On 11/7/2015 at 11:30 AM, Superman said:

Assuming we win the division, we pick no higher than #21. He won't fall that far unless he does something stupid between now and then.

 

He just did something stupid. 

 

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/14365867/robert-nkemdiche-ole-miss-rebels-charged-marijuana-possession

[CheezyColt]

That doesn't move him off my board. If Colts drop this upcoming Texans games (I really want to keep up home streak against them alive) and we miss out on the playoffs, I wouldn't be upset to see this drop him 10 spots to wherever we'll be picking. Exactly what we need. Would be tough though since there's so much pressure to invest in the o-line (and rightfully so). 

[Superman]

2 hours ago, CheezyColt said:

That doesn't move him off my board. If Colts drop this upcoming Texans games (I really want to keep up home streak against them alive) and we miss out on the playoffs, I wouldn't be upset to see this drop him 10 spots to wherever we'll be picking. Exactly what we need. Would be tough though since there's so much pressure to invest in the o-line (and rightfully so). 

 

Ha, he's still on everyone's board. The question is whether he'll still go in the top ten, and I don't even think that's a question. Unless he has a lingering injury -- he did stay overnight in the hospital, but evidently his injuries were minor -- he'll still be a top prospect.

 

But if he gets suspended for the Bowl game, or he's too hurt to workout at the Combine, or fails a drug test at the Combine, or anything else on top of this incident, he might have a Randy Gregory type of slide. I doubt it; Gregory was also an undersized tweener who didn't fit with half the teams in the league. But if he drops to the second half of the first round, maybe he winds up in trade-up range...

[OffensivelyPC]

8 minutes ago, Superman said:

 

Ha, he's still on everyone's board. The question is whether he'll still go in the top ten, and I don't even think that's a question. Unless he has a lingering injury -- he did stay overnight in the hospital, but evidently his injuries were minor -- he'll still be a top prospect.

 

But if he gets suspended for the Bowl game, or he's too hurt to workout at the Combine, or fails a drug test at the Combine, or anything else on top of this incident, he might have a Randy Gregory type of slide. I doubt it; Gregory was also an undersized tweener who didn't fit with half the teams in the league. But if he drops to the second half of the first round, maybe he winds up in trade-up range...

Well, if I recall Grigs correctly, he has a "no red flags" policy in the first 3 rounds. Came up this past year, and I wanna say it was kind of implied that he was talking about Gregory, but I could be recalling that part right. Pretty positive,about the red flag policy part though.

[Superman]

Just now, OffensivelyPC said:

Well, if I recall Grigs correctly, he has a "no red flags" policy in the first 3 rounds. Came up this past year, and I wanna say it was kind of implied that he was talking about Gregory, but I could be recalling that part right. Pretty positive,about the red flag policy part though.

 

Raises several questions:

1) What exactly is a 'red flag'? Being cited for public intoxication is a lot less serious than aggravated DUI, for instance.

2) Will Grigson still be the GM?

3) Should any GM pass on a player like Robert Nkemdiche for minor possession?

[NewColtsFan]

7 minutes ago, Superman said:

 

Raises several questions:

1) What exactly is a 'red flag'? Being cited for public intoxication is a lot less serious than aggravated DUI, for instance.

2) Will Grigson still be the GM?

3) Should any GM pass on a player like Robert Nkemdiche for minor possession?

 

I thought it was 4-5 rounds, and not 3,  but I could be wrong on that.

 

Not sure what constitutes a "Red Flag Knucklehead" move...?    But I think getting stoned enough to crash through a glass door/wall,  and then climb up and over and fall down 15 feet where he could've killed himself would probably be very much on Grigson's radar.

 

Now,  whether it's enough to keep Grigson,  or any other possible GM from drafting him is another story.....

 

My hunch is no.....     but that's just a guess and not much more.....

 

[Superman]

2 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

I thought it was 4-5 rounds, and not 3,  but I could be wrong on that.

 

Not sure what constitutes a "Red Flag Knucklehead" move...?    But I think getting stoned enough to crash through a glass door/wall,  and then climb up and over and fall down 15 feet where he could've killed himself would probably be very much on Grigson's radar.

 

Now,  whether it's enough to keep Grigson,  or any other possible GM from drafting him is another story.....

 

My hunch is no.....     but that's just a guess and not much more.....

 

 

That's one way to put it, but we still don't really know the story. It's obviously not a green flag moment.

[OffensivelyPC]

29 minutes ago, Superman said:

 

Raises several questions:

1) What exactly is a 'red flag'? Being cited for public intoxication is a lot less serious than aggravated DUI, for instance.

2) Will Grigson still be the GM?

3) Should any GM pass on a player like Robert Nkemdiche for minor possession?

Oh I'm not saying I agree with the principal, but just to put some words on paper: 

 

1) Non serious red flags ( ie, prospect unaffected or drops  a few spots but no more than a round) - this case would qualify. A non violent one time offense would qualify. Repeat minor offenses or anything where others are injured get you into the "more serious red flag" category, absent mitigating factors.

 

2) We'll see

 

3) Not on these facts alone. Generally speaking, I hope things like this drop a guy 15 spots to me ( since im the all powerfuk armchair GM in this scenario). I'll trust my homework over a hard and fast rule. Your gut feeling won't always be right, but when it come to player character, it's the best tool to judge it. Numbers don't really help you quantify another's character. If two guys are equal and one has a pot possession charge, the other a minor battery in a heated moment, there's plenty to get to the bottom of, and you won't find it on paper.

 

 

[Superman]

3 minutes ago, OffensivelyPC said:

3) Not on these facts alone. Generally speaking, I hope things like this drop a guy 15 spots to me ( since im the all powerfuk armchair GM in this scenario). I'll trust my homework over a hard and fast rule. Your gut feeling won't always be right, but when it come to player character, it's the best tool to judge it. Numbers don't really help you quantify another's character. If two guys are equal and one has a pot possession charge, the other a minor battery in a heated moment, there's plenty to get to the bottom of, and you won't find it on paper.

 

Speaking of homework, once you start digging, maybe do some interviews, you might start stacking risk upon risk. Not just this incident, but maybe a selfish attitude, poor response to criticism and authority, etc. Now, maybe you start to cool on him. That's where scouting gets more involved than just film.

 

But just on film, this guy is a top ten prospect, IMO. I haven't watched all the top guys yet, but he's my favorite prospect so far. Between him and Bosa, for instance, it's not even close.

[OffensivelyPC]

28 minutes ago, Superman said:

Speaking of homework, once you start digging, maybe do some interviews, you might start stacking risk upon risk. Not just this incident, but maybe a selfish attitude, poor response to criticism and authority, etc. Now, maybe you start to cool on him. That's where scouting gets more involved than just film.

 

But just on film, this guy is a top ten prospect, IMO. I haven't watched all the top guys yet, but he's my favorite prospect so far. Between him and Bosa, for instance, it's not even close.

When I watched Bosa, I didn't see a unanimous top 5 pick.  Obviously, we're a long way from the draft, but I think he'll fall down the rankings some.  Wasn't the strongest pass rusher, but can certainly set the edge on the run.  The Michigan game offered some good highlights, especially at pass rush, but in the couple of games I saw, his pass rush left something to be desired (and playing on the offenses right side, makes me question how he'd stack up against much better tackles in the NFL).

 

Haven't seen much on Nkemdiche.  I've been going through interior OL at the moment.  I did see the AL/Ole Miss game when I was watching Ryan Kelly (who I thought did decent against Nkemdiche, actually), but I wasn't paying close attention to Nkemdiche as I was Kelly.  I have watched a few DL, in particular Jarran Reed and DeForest Buckner (I'd recommend watching Buckner against Michigan State, by the way).  Good interior run defenders, with some pass rush upside.

[Superman]

1 hour ago, OffensivelyPC said:

When I watched Bosa, I didn't see a unanimous top 5 pick.  Obviously, we're a long way from the draft, but I think he'll fall down the rankings some.  Wasn't the strongest pass rusher, but can certainly set the edge on the run.  The Michigan game offered some good highlights, especially at pass rush, but in the couple of games I saw, his pass rush left something to be desired (and playing on the offenses right side, makes me question how he'd stack up against much better tackles in the NFL).

 

Haven't seen much on Nkemdiche.  I've been going through interior OL at the moment.  I did see the AL/Ole Miss game when I was watching Ryan Kelly (who I thought did decent against Nkemdiche, actually), but I wasn't paying close attention to Nkemdiche as I was Kelly.  I have watched a few DL, in particular Jarran Reed and DeForest Buckner (I'd recommend watching Buckner against Michigan State, by the way).  Good interior run defenders, with some pass rush upside.

 

My plan is to watch everyone. We'll see how that goes. But definitely a lot more than I have in the past. I'll get around the Buckner for sure.

[2006Coltsbestever]

I have to admit I don't watch much College Football so not real sure who the best Pass rushers are as far as ranking them. I watch enough to know somewhat who the best players are. I do like this guy. I do know we depth on the D. Line and O.Line. Both of those area's need to addressed.

[OffensivelyPC]

46 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

I have to admit I don't watch much College Football so not real sure who the best Pass rushers are as far as ranking them. I watch enough to know somewhat who the best players are. I do like this guy. I do know we depth on the D. Line and O.Line. Both of those area's need to addressed.

I don't really have a grasp on pass rushers, especially edge rushers.  I've watched a handful of DT/DE prospects, and none of them are game changers pass rush-wise, though I think they have the physical traints to potentially develop into at least a viable option.  I didn't like Kenny Clark AT ALL. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

1 minute ago, OffensivelyPC said:

I don't really have a grasp on pass rushers, especially edge rushers.  I've watched a handful of DT/DE prospects, and none of them are game changers, though the potential to develop a strong push up the middle is there on a handful.  I didn't like Kenny Clark AT ALL. 

This is going to be an interesting off season, especially if we don't win the Division. Our whole Coaching staff and even Grigs could be gone. The Draft coming up is a huge one too. I will have to do some research and see who the best players are. I have seen where you and others have Posted several good prospects so it has been helpful to me reading some of those Posts.

[Superman]

Then there's this: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000602157/article/scout-ole-miss-robert-nkemdiche-might-scare-off-nfl-teams

 

Quote

"He's really athletic and he's got strength. He's really a different kid. He may scare some people. He's strange strange," the scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in a story published just hours before the 300-pound junior broke a window and took a fall from the Grand Hyatt hotel in Atlanta on Saturday night.

 

 

[Dustin]

Weaknesses: Windows

[Superman]

1 hour ago, Dustin said:

Weaknesses: Windows

 

 

[loudnproudcolt]

Problem with Nkemdeche is he has incredible measurables, but it does not seem to come out on the field. He is nicked up a lot of the time, and he seems more of the Clowney syndrome, which scares the crap out of me. Many articles I have read questions how much he wants it, how much desire he has, because his athletic ability you cannot debate. Those kind of players, I tend to worry about. You think Houston wishes they drafted Mack now, I do.

The other question is this. If Charlie Whitehurst starts this week, I don't know what happens, but I give the edge to Houston due to defense. Hopefully I am wrong, but there is a small voice inside of me, which I hate, that says if we lose this week, we are probably out of the playoffs, and only win 6 or 7 games. That would place us in the 10-15 spot which improves who we can draft immeasurably, which we really need. There are some really good FA's like Osemele who will be out there in FA. I would like to bolster the line first in FA, which lets us go almost all defense in the draft, especially the line. I think regardless of where we pick, we will have a shot A'Shawn Robinson from Alabama who is a space eater, or Adolphus Washington who decided to pick up an escort, why I have no idea, but he will drop also. So there will be some quality DL to bolster the line. The only caveat I have is if we do not win any more games, and are close to the top 10, I would really love to get Jaylon Smith. I think he could be a cornerstone for us for the next decade, like Kuechly for the Panthers. He would be my pick if  possible. It is going to come down to can we win with a 3rd string QB, and if we lost this week, should we even risk bringing Luck back, since Houston's last two games should be wins.

[Superman]

20 hours ago, loudnproudcolt said:

Problem with Nkemdeche is he has incredible measurables, but it does not seem to come out on the field. He is nicked up a lot of the time, and he seems more of the Clowney syndrome, which scares the crap out of me. Many articles I have read questions how much he wants it, how much desire he has, because his athletic ability you cannot debate. Those kind of players, I tend to worry about. You think Houston wishes they drafted Mack now, I do.

 

I haven't read those articles. It was my intention to get a lot of write-ups done without being influenced by other people's scouting and mocks and stuff.

 

Based on the film, I disagree with the bolded. He's an absolute force every time I watch them play. I'll watch more of him as time goes on, and I'll look for him easing up or taking plays off, but that didn't strike me at all. I saw undisciplined play, but not laziness or indifference. 

 

Have you watched Ole Miss, or is your opinion mostly based on what you've read?