How Many Ole Miss Prospects Land In ESPN's Recent Seven-Round Mock Draft?

Mock draft season is winding down, meaning the NFL Draft is right around the corner. What does this mean for the crop of Ole Miss players headed to the pros?

Waiting is the hard part, but their dreams of becoming pros are almost a reality.

Up to five former Rebels are expected to hear their names called during the three-day event beginning on April. 25, with several players garnering mid-round buzz. Defensive end Cedric Johnson should without question land on a roster come Week 1. So should cornerback Deantre Prince.

In the latest seven-round mock draft released by ESPN, three Rebels come off the board and begin a new chapter taking on NFL quarterbacks instead of SEC ones. Johnson, who tied Jared Ivey for the top sack spot with 5.5 takedowns, landed with the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round at No. 232.

Johnson finished his Rebels' career with 19 sacks in 40 games. Last month at the NFL combine, his 4.63 40-time ranked fifth among the edge rushers at the event Johnson also recorded top-five showings in the vertical jump and the bench press.

While not expected to be a Day 1 starter, scouts are sold on his upside playing in the SEC, thus making him a priority option on Day 3. He's one of several SEC pass-rushers expected to land during Rounds 4-7 given their background and experience in the conference that 'Just Means More.'

Safety Daijahn Anthony pulled up right behind Johnson in the mock draft, landing with the Cincinnati Bengals four picks later at No. 237. A transfer from Liberty, Anthony finished the year with 61 tackles. He broke up eight passes and had three interceptions.

National pundits and casual fans likely know the name, but know little about Anthony. Last season, he came up with a game-changing forced fumble with a huge hit on LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels in Ole Miss' upset at home.

Prince, a two-year starter and anchor for the Rebels' secondary, was actually not listed on ESPN's mock draft, making him a priority free agent who can sign anywhere. A two-year starter for the Rebels, Prince impressed at the combine, with a 4.38 40-yard dash that ranked seventh among corners and the top 10-yard split time at 1.47.

Last season as the Rebels' No. 1 defensive back, Prince recorded 36 tackles, five tackles for loss, and an interception.