Robert Nkemdiche Declares for 2016 NFL Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Once the top-ranked high school player in the country, Ole Miss defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche decided to declare for the 2016 NFL draft on Sunday.  

Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze relayed word of the junior's announcement, courtesy of SunHerald.com's Patrick Ochs. 

Nkemdiche is a mammoth presence at 6'4'' and 296 pounds, and his ability to play multiple positions should aid the rising star's stock as the draft process gets underway. 

The physical freak primarily played defensive tackle for Ole Miss, but as Bleacher Report's Matt Miller noted, Nkemdiche's speed makes him a viable asset regardless of where he lines up: 

Aside from the occasional goal-line plunge on offense, Nkemdiche has the quickness necessary to play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme or plug up the middle as a tackle. Either way, the versatility should help immensely at the next level. 

During the 2015 season, Nkemdiche totaled 26 tackles—including seven for loss—along with three sacks. While his basic counting stats took a hit after shifting to the interior of the Rebels defensive line, Nkemdiche used his rare blend of strength and speed to torment opposing offensive lines. 

However, as one NFL personnel executive told NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah, issues have cropped up regarding Nkemdiche's effort: "When he wants to play, he can dominate. He has good size and moves well but his motor isn't always running high."

Nkemdiche should be able to blow evaluators away at the scouting combine thanks to his ridiculous physical attributes and measurements, but he'll need to convince prospective employers he's able to commit himself to becoming a more consistent every-down player. 

But reservations aside, Nkemdiche seems to have the raw talent necessary to wedge his way into the first-round conversation come spring time.