Mississippi Rebels
Lane Kiffin makes his return to the SEC, and one must assume it will last more than a single season this time around. The Rebels have watched their talent base erode since the departure of Hugh Freeze, and moving towards the season we are looking at primarily last-day picks.
Junior linebacker Jacquez Jones is what we are seeing more and more of these days — undersized but explosive run-and-chase linebackers. Jones stands out in pursuit and plays tough football.
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Tariqious Tisdale is a name to remember, and I feel he could make a big move up draft boards if he meets expectations. He’s a nice-sized, athletic defensive end who is very strong for his size and shows playmaking ability. Tisdale can be tough to handle and is rarely off his feet. Tisdale needs to consistently play at a high level and increase his production, but he’s a name to remember.
Lakia Henry is graded as a potential second-round choice by a number of scouts, but I think he’s a late-rounder. Henry is tough and gives effort, but I see no outstanding physical features in his game.
Reminder: To view my grades and projected draft rounds for SEC draft-eligible prospects, scroll to the end of the article.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Like interstate rival Mississippi, the Bulldogs are under new management. And like the Rebels, the depth chart is almost solely last-day picks.
We were the first to report that running back Kylin Hill, who initially declared for the 2020 draft, reversed course and decided to return for his senior season. Hill is a solid ball carrier, but he’s primarily a downhill running back who is best between the tackles. He has decent size, but he lacks the speed to turn the corner and has a limited burst.
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K.J. Costello makes the move to Mississippi State from Stanford as a graduate transfer. He’s a nice-sized passer with a next-level arm, but he’s shown a lot of inconsistency in his game, which has also been hampered by injury.
Osirus Mitchell is a tall, sure-handed receiver with a consistent game. He plays big football and consistently outbattles opponents for the reception, but I am concerned about the limited speed and quickness he shows on the field.
Missouri Tigers
Missouri has had just a few players selected in the draft since 2017, although several were selected in the top 100 picks. The cupboard is still on the bare side, but the Tigers have a few names to keep on the radar.
While I grade Nick Bolton as a fourth-round prospect, he has the skills and ability to move into the second day of the draft. Bolton is an explosive run-and-chase linebacker who plays all-out on every down. He’s undersized and has growth limitations, but he’s a tough defender with terrific speed.
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Akial Byers comes with a slightly better size and also plays an explosive brand of football. He’s fundamentally sound and has upside, but he needs to get stronger.
Damon Hazelton looked like a solid next-level receiver prospect early in his Virginia Tech career, but his game leveled off. A change of scenery should do him good. Hazelton is a big-bodied wideout with dependable hands and next-level ability.
Page 1: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida
Page 2: Georgia, Kentucky, LSU
Page 3: Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri
Page 4: South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt