Seahawks Draft Prospect: Robert Nkemdiche

The Seahawks are weighing their options for their 26th pick in this year’s NFL Draft. One player they have been eyeing is Robert Nkemdiche. What could he bring to Seattle?

The Seahawks are likely to add depth to their depleted offensive and defensive lines through the draft this year. Although we can’t really predict what Pete Carroll and John Schneider will do, let’s just say they need help in the trenches in 2016.

One possible draft prospect for the Seahawks is Robert Nkemdiche (kim-DEECH-ee) out of Ole Miss. He came to Oxford, Mississppi a top high school recruit for the Rebels’ defensive line. He won Freshman All-American team and Freshman All-SEC team honors in 2013 with eight tackles for loss and two sacks. In his second year, Nkemdiche garnered second-team All-American honors with only four tackles for loss and two sacks. His seven TFL and three sacks his junior year once again earned him second-team All-American honors.

More from Seattle Seahawks

• Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
• Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
• Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks: Four Takeaways from Week 14 21-7 victory
• Seattle Seahawks: Three Takeaways from the Week 13 43-16 victory

The awards in spite of the lack of numbers to back them up are likely a nod to Nkemdiche’s otherworldly physical talents. At 6’3″ 294 pounds, Nkemdiche stood remarkably tall as a defensive tackle in Mississippi’s scheme. Scouts have credited his excellent play as a three-technique tackle for the defensive turnaround in recent years for the Rebels. He’s fast, strong, and experienced at the line of scrimmage.

There are questions, however. Despite the accolades and physical prowess, Nkemdiche’s statistics are disappointing. He never recorded many tackles and only got credit for 6.5 sacks in his career at Ole Miss. On film, scouts point out his flaws at times getting his pass rush moves swatted down and his tendency to overrun plays.

More from Emerald City Swagger

• Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
• Washington State Football: What you need to know for 2018 Alamo Bowl
• Washington Basketball: 3 takeaways from Huskies win over Sacramento St.
• Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
• Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers

Off the field, there are other concerns for Nkemdiche. The Seahawks haven’t been shy about drafting players with troubled pasts (see Frank Clark). And it’s not like Nkemdiche was in trouble for violence (again, Frank Clark). But, he was suspended for Mississippi’s bowl game last season for falling off of an Atlanta-area hotel balcony while smoking weed. (I’m not sure if he was hitting the joint on the way down, or if he got high and then fell off the balcony). He was arrested at the time and charged with marijuana possession.

Scouts also have concerns about his work ethic at times after watching him on film and question whether he’ll ever develop into a starter in the NFL. He also appears to have either an excellent sense of humor or terrible money-management skills, based on his recent interview with ESPN’s Seth Wickersham. Apparently he wants to buy a panther with his rookie contract.

Bottom line, Robert Nkemdiche could be a useful player for the Seahawks. He has the physical tools to play well with some time in the NFL. Or…. he could fizzle out. NFL.com gives him a 6.32 draft grade, just below Pro Bowl potential.

Next: Seahawks Draft Prospect: Emmanuel Ogbah

Think you know who the Seahawks should take with their first round pick? Let me know in the comments section.