Ole Miss Football 2018 Mock Draft: Where will the Rebels go?
Ole Miss. Rod Taylor. 7. player. 56. Round 7, No. 253 overall. OG
After Wilkins the Rebels’ draft chances take a sizable hit. However, if there will be one more Rebel that hears his name called this year it will be offensive tackle Rod Taylor. The former 5-star recruit took over for Laremy Tunsil at left tackle in 2016 before switching to the opposite end of the line in 2017.
Although he played tackle at the collegiate level, Taylor’s size (6-foot-3, 321 pounds) make him more suitable on the inside in the NFL. Taylor spent time at right guard in 2014 and 2015. That seems to be his most natural fit at the next level.
Whether he gets that chance through a draft selection or free agency remains to be seen. Ultimately teams are going to have evaluated whether his injury history, Taylor has had shoulder, and ankle issues that caused him to miss time in college, outweighs his football pedigree. 5-star doesn’t mean anything to an NFL scout, but the success rate for 5-stars is much better than 2-stars.
The Cincinnati Bengals continue to have needs at offensive line. Taylor could be one of multiple players whom get brought in by the Bengals to compete for reserve spots this season.