Bobby Massie Hopes to be First Ole Miss Rebel Selected in NFL Draft

Published: 16^th Feb 12 6:52 pm

by Ryan Wooden
Featured Columnist

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Bobby Massie Hopes to be First Ole Miss Rebel Selected in NFL Draft

Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE

As the 2011 collegiate football season came to a close, there wasn’t much to file into the positive category for the University of Missippi Rebels. Ole Miss finished 2-10, they failed to win a conference game, and they fired their head coach Houston Nutt.

However, the Rebs weren’t completely devoid of talent. Ole Miss figures to have as many as four players projected to be taken in April’s NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Bobby Massie should be the first Ole Miss Rebel selected after declaring for the draft following his junior year.

Here is an early look at draft projections and scouting reports for draft-eligible Ole Miss Rebels.

(Rankings courtesy of CBS Sports)

Bobby Massie, #76 Overall, #6 OT

Massie looks the part of a prototypical left tackle, but he probably projects as a right tackle at the next level having started 29 games at the position over the last three seasons. The former prep school star is powerful, but he isn’t light enough on his feet to play the left tackle position that his large frame and long arms seem made for. Massie is a solid prospect, but his lack of experience defending the blind side hurt his stock a little.

Grade: Second-Third Round

Brandon Bolden, #196 Overall, #19 RB

Bolden has the size and strength to run between the tackles, but he has a tendency to play smaller than he actually is at times. He doesn’t cut with conviction and often bounces it outside when he should be delivering punishment with his 5-11 220 lb frame. He doesn’t have great top-end speed, but he has enough speed to get to the edge.

Grade: Fourth-Fifth Round

Damien Jackson, #212 Overall, #9 FS

Damien Jackson has nice size to play as a weak safety, and he has long arms that make him play even larger than his listed 6-2. However, he doesn’t have great recovery speed, and he could stand to add some bulk. Jackson DOES play aggressively against the run and should hear his name called on Day Three.

Grade: Sixth-Seventh Round

Bradley Sowell, #373 Overall, #29 OT

Sowell is a sleeper left tackle prospect who kept the higher graded Bobby Massie on the right side. That’s because Sowell has tremendous footwork to handle the weak side. However, Sowell’s lack of functional upper-body strength is disappointing and his inability as a finisher seriously diminish his chances of being selected with a pick.

Grade: Seventh-UFA

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