Robert Nkemdiche Suspended for Sugar Bowl, Declares for NFL Draft

Star Ole Miss defensive lineman and NFL Draft prospect Robert Nkemdiche has made headlines for all the wrong reasons over the past week. Nkemdiche was arrested after being taken to the hospital after falling out of a hotel window while under the influence of hallucinating drugs. Nkemdiche was not physically harmed by the hard fall, but his status for the Sugar Bowl, as well as his draft stock certainly took a hard hit.

On Sunday morning Ole Miss announced Nkemdiche would be suspended for the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma State New Years Day after his drug-related arrest. He was charged will marijuana possession after being treated at the hospital.

Robert Nkemdiche’s brother, Denzel, was also admitted into ICU for a reported drug-related incident. Denzel Nkemdiche plays linebacker for Ole Miss and led the team in tackles.

Soon after the announcement of his suspension, Nkemdiche’s future plans were also announced. The First Team All-SEC defensive lineman will reportedly declare for the 2016 NFL Draft and not return to Ole Miss for his senior season.

Nkemdiche finished his 2015 season with 26 tackles and three sacks for the Rebels. Despite the underwhelming stats, Nkemdiche’s physical traits and athletic skill set made him a projected first round pick by many draft analysts. The affects of his arrest and suspension on his draft stock will play out over the next four months leading up to the NFL Draft.

Read Joe Wedra’s scouting report on Nkemdiche following his arrest earlier this month.

In the NFL Mocks Staff mock draft earlier this month, we projected Robert Nkemdiche to land in St. Louis with the projected 11th overall pick. That pick was made before his arrest.

Stay connected to NFL Mocks as we enter the NFL Draft season and wrap up the NFL’s regular season.