SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

6. Ole Miss Rebels

If last season were an indicator of the future in Oxford, the Mississippi Rebels would be fun to watch as long as head coach Lane Kiffin is in town. Mississippi gave Alabama all kinds of fits last season, and the offense put up many points. However, if Mississippi wants to compete in the SEC, they have to stop someone.

The Rebels had one of the worst defenses in college football last season. Mississippi finished 118th scoring defense, 125th in pass yards allowed, 101st in rush defense, and 126th in total defense.

The Rebels have to replace Elijah Moore and Kenny Yeboah offensively but bring everyone back on defense, which might not be saying much if no one develops next season. Expect some new faces to compete for defensive snaps. Here are two defensive players that could see the field next season (and a receiver who could).

• Tywone Malone, DT: Malone evokes memories of another elite lineman who played at Mississippi, Jerrell Powe. Malone can play either the three or zero-technique on the interior. Malone has also shown the ability to play end in certain situations. A two-sport athlete in high school, Malone is also a high-end baseball player. Malone is a thickly built young man with a nose for the football. As a freshman, Malone can come in as a three-down lineman as he a difference-maker against the run and pass.
• Tysheem Johnson, S: Scouts covet safeties with cornerback ball skills. Johnson has that. Johnson’s ball skills are why his size (5-foot-10 and 190 pounds) should not be much of a concern. The Philadelphia high school product has room to fill out his frame and not lose his top-end speed. Johnson’s tape is reminiscent of former Minnesota stand-out and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Antonio Winfield, Jr., not the biggest or fastest but can just ball.
• Bralon Brown, WR: With the departure of Elijah Moore, the Rebels would like another explosive wide receiver. If we’ve learned anything about this era of college football, you can never have too many wide receivers. Brown did miss four games as a junior, so some development needs to happen. At 6-foot-2, however, Brown is capable of coming in and being a red-zone target. Brown has good hands and high points the ball, so he wins so many 50/50 balls.