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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Robert Nkemdiche, DT Ole Miss

By Adam Carlson

Aug 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Grant Hedrick (9) throws a pass as Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) pressures him in the first quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Grant Hedrick (9) throws a pass as Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) pressures him in the first quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Should the Minnesota Vikings look into drafting Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche with the #23 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft?

Having a dominating defensive interior is a great way to control a game. Being able to take away the run or get a pass rush without allocating extra players to the task is something that only few teams in the NFL can do. Because of that, Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche could be a valued asset in the 2016 Draft.

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There is a lot to love about Nkemdiche. He is a dominating presence in the middle of the defensive line and has the ideal build for the NFL. Despite playing the interior of the defensive line, he has amazing agility, rivaling defensive ends. He can get low, dominate the point of attack, and redirect opposing players to clog running lanes or get to the quarterback.

There are very few question marks to his game, but the big questions about Robert Nkemdiche is his off the field issues. There are big concerns about his character, including problems with the law regarding marijuana use, questioning his commitment to the game of football, and wondering if his overall attitude will be a locker room problem.

Here are Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Oct 10, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) after the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels beats New Mexico State Aggies 52-3. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) after the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels beats New Mexico State Aggies 52-3. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’3″

  • Weight: 294 pounds
  • Arm Length: 33 7/8″
  • Hand Size: 10 3/4″
  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.87 seconds
  • Bench Press: 28 reps
  • Vertical Jump: 35″
  • Broad Jump: 116″
  • 3 Cone Drill: N/A
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

    • Robert Nkemdiche compares to:

    • CBS Sports: Michael Bennett, Seahawks
    • NFL.com: Sharrif Floyd, Vikings

    Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

    Minnesota is always looking for defensive talent, especially on the line. For a guy that can be moved around and be effective in several spots, they may be able to look past the problems and see him for the elite talent that he is. While he wouldn’t likely start over Floyd or Joseph, he would be a great player to plug in as a rotational/backup.

    Next: 5 WR options for the Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft

    My Take:

    I can look past issues with marijuana. Heck, it’s even legal in many places in the United States now. But the big red flag for me is his commitment to the game. If there is even a question as to whether or not his heart is in the game, selecting him in the first round would be a huge mistake. It all comes down to what Robert Nkemdiche can do prove to teams that he’s worth the risk, but for now I don’t see him as a first round selection.

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