Herring-Olvedo: First Round of NFL Draft – What a Ride

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What a night it was, and it was not without a media frenzy for the Ole Miss trio: Laremy Tunsil, Robert Nkemdiche and Laquon Treadwell. They all made history in their own way that night in Chicago.

No one can question that Tunsil was at the forefront of this year’s NFL Draft as the top prospect and No. 1 pick until Tennessee Titans traded their pick. But that night, he managed to fall to thirteenth pick after a video depicting him wearing a gas mask while smoking from a bong appeared on Twitter. Despite the video being reportedly two years old, it cost him in the draft as 12 NFL teams passed over his athletic ability. Ole Miss football head coach Hugh Freeze came to Tunsil’s defense at the draft when by assuring that video is “not who (Tunsil) is.” The Miami Dolphins chose him for their 13th pick. As for the media frenzy affecting his off-field issues, we’ll have to wait to see but Tunsil seems to be ready to put it all behind him to show NFL the reason he was the first pick in months leading up to NFL Draft.

Tunsil was not the only Rebel whose draft was affected by off-field antics. Robert Nkemdiche might’ve gone earlier due to his immense athletic talent, but the Arizona Cardinals got a steal at for their 29th pick. The Cardinals are in a desperate need of a better defensive line and Nkemdiche will have the opportunity to work early with the team to help elevate their defense. Despite Nkemdiche’s past antics off-field, he is one of the top interior players in the draft and could go far in the NFL.

Finally, the Rebels saw a more heartfelt moment when Laquon Treadwell stepped up on the stage with his daughter, Madison, as he was drafted as the 23rd pick by the Minnesota Vikings. Like his fellow Rebels, Treadwell was anticipated to go sooner as the first wide receiver choice. However, I do believe everything happens for a reason and the Vikings are lucky to have Treadwell. With his 6’2″ frame, he can dominate the field with his signature catches. Treadwell has a promising career as the wide receiver, and I believe that if he continues to build on his route running he can be a force to be reckoned with in a few seasons.

Though the Ole Miss’ trio may have not gone in the top 10 picks, that doesn’t lessen the talent and caliber these players will bring to the NFL. Congratulations to these three Rebels, and we Ole Miss faithful will be excited to see them in the NFL.

Hotty Toddy, y’all.

Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo is a HottyToddy.com contributor, veteran SEC sports journalist and Brown University graduate. She loves good cigars, good games and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order. She can be reached at misskentuckyus2011@gmail.com.

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