Ole Miss saw six players drafted through the three-day weekend of the 2022 NFL Draft. That doesn’t suggest only six prospects from the 10-2 2021 roster will make the ultimate 53-man roster on their respective team.
Five prospects were signed as undrafted free agents and hope to seek out their way onto the energetic rosters. Some could have a neater climb, corresponding to receiver Braylon Sanders with the Miami Dolphins or Dontario Drummond with the Dallas Cowboys. Others, corresponding to Ben Brown on the Cincinnati Bengals, may be a tad difficult.
The most effective likelihood of all of the Rebels to make the ultimate cut could possibly be the under-the-radar option. That will be running back Jerrion Ealy, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after failing to listen to his name called.
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Jerrion Ealy
Mississippi Rebels running back Jerrion Ealy (9) is tackled by Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) through the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jerrion Ealy
Mississippi Rebels running back Jerrion Ealy (9) carries the ball against Southeastern Louisiana Lions defensive back Patrick Johnson (2) through the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jerrion Ealy
Ealy’s tools could make him effective in short-yardage situations and special teams. 5’8″, 189-pounder is lightning-quick along with his decision-making and has high-end acceleration when within the open field.
Kansas City looks to stay the highest contender within the AFC after falling short of constructing its third consecutive Super Bowl. The run game was limited with Patrick Mahomes, largely on account of injuries and limited production from second-year runner Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
After rushing for 803 yards as a rookie, Edwards-Helaire regressed, tallying only 646 yards and five touchdowns. Kansas City turned its attention to adding competition to the backfield, signing Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Ronald Jones and drafting Rutgers’ Isaih Pacheco within the seventh round.
Pacheco suits more as a receiving option due to his size (5-10, 215 kilos) and speed (4.37 40-time). Ealy — who ran a 4.52 40-time, might have the ability to seek out a job as a third-down runner only. Jones, who looks to fight for first-team reps with Edwards-Helaire, also has did not live as much as No. 1 expectations since being drafted out of USC.
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The battle for the No. 3 running back thoroughly could come right down to Ealy and Pacheco. During his time in Oxford, Ealy averaged 5.8 yards per run and over 700 yards each season. Pacheco only surpassed 700 yards once and averaged 4.3 yards per run.
Jerrion Ealy
Jerrion Ealy
Jerrion Ealy
Advantage Ealy.
Within the receiving aspect, Ealy tallied a minimum of 15 catches per 12 months and averaged 8.1 yards per play. Pacheco averaged 5.3 yards per reception and finished with just 47 total catches in 4 seasons.
Again, advantage Ealy.
Ealy’s ability as a more well-rounded option might make him the higher prospect from the beginning over Pacheco. He also has played against SEC-caliber defensive lines, a few of which featured multiple draftees prior to now three years.
Scouts believed that Ealy can be a late-round gem for one franchise. As a substitute, he could find yourself being the very best option for the Chiefs by way of a young runner with potential.
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