Ole Miss football is making waves in the 2024 NFL Draft conversation, with *five* defensive players earning spots in the *Pro Football Focus* (PFF) Top 75 Big Board. This impressive showing highlights the talent and depth on the Rebels’ defense, a unit that played a crucial role in their 11-win season under Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding.
Leading the group is *edge rusher Jared Ivey*, a dominant force off the edge who showcased his explosiveness and versatility throughout the season. Ivey’s ability to disrupt both the pass and run makes him a coveted prospect at the next level.
Next up is *defensive lineman JJ Pegues*, a former tight end turned disruptive interior presence. Pegues’ combination of strength and quickness makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines, and his draft stock has steadily risen throughout the pre-draft process.
*Linebacker Ashanti Cistrunk* also cracks the Top 75, bringing elite athleticism and instincts to the linebacker position. His ability to cover ground quickly and play sideline-to-sideline makes him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of a rangy linebacker.
In the secondary, *cornerback Deantre Prince* earns a spot on the list. A long, physical defender, Prince’s ability to lock down receivers and make plays on the ball has drawn significant interest from scouts.
Rounding out the Rebels’ presence on the Big Board is *safety Trey Washington*, whose versatility and ball-hawking ability make him an intriguing prospect. Washington’s ability to play deep coverage or step up in the box gives him a skill set that translates well to the modern NFL.
With five defenders ranked among the nation’s best, Ole Miss continues to build a reputation as a legitimate defensive pipeline to the NFL.
