In the first few weeks of the NFL regular season, many former Ole Miss Football stars have contributed to their respective teams.
D.K. Metcalf: Seattle Seahawks
Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 and has played for them since. In 2022, he signed a three-year, $72 million extension.
Metcalf was one of the most talented receivers to ever play for the Rebels, and he is showcasing the same skills in the NFL league that he displayed in Oxford.
Through three weeks of the 2024 season, Metcalf has recorded 28 receptions for 421 yards and two touchdowns, with a 71-yard touchdown against the Dolphins in week three.
Widely regarded as one of the most shredded players in the league, Metcalf has carved out a role not only as a big-bodied, jump ball receiver but an all-around threat at all three levels of the passing game.
A.J. Brown: Philadelphia Eagles
Wide receiver A.J. Brown was drafted by the Tennessee Titans the same year as Metcalf in 2019. After contract extension talks stalled with Tennessee, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL draft in 2022 in exchange for the 18th and 101st picks. Along with Metcalf, Brown came as a highly regarded receiver with the Rebels and has made waves in the NFL since his departure.
After winning second-team all-pro accolades during his first two seasons in Philadelphia, Brown’s 2024 season has been waylaid by a hamstring injury.
In his sole game of the season, a matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Brown recorded five catches for 119 yards and a touchdown.
In weeks two through four the Eagles dropped games to the Falcons and Buccaneers and only narrowly escaped the Saints. Hopefully Brown will return to the rotation in week five.
Dawson Knox: Buffalo Bills
Selected by the Bills in the third round, Tight end Dawson Knox was another member of the 2019 draft class. His best season came in 2021, when he had 587 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. This earned Knox a four-year, $52 million extension the following year.
After a solid 2022 season, Knox’s statline dropped off in 2023 due in part to a hand fracture in the middle of the season. His injury led to the increased role of fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Although Knox only recorded 3 catches for 30 yards in 2024, his importance extends beyond receiving. He is a solid blocker, and he seems to be doing his job well, as the Bills are currently 3-2.
Evan Engram: Jacksonville Jaguars
Another pass-catcher, tight end Evan Engram was drafted in 2017 by the New York Giants, where he was a Pro-Bowler in 2020. In 2022, Engram was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Over Engram’s collegiate career, he became the first Rebel to secure All-SEC honors four times during his tenure at Ole Miss.
Engram has proven himself a steady tight end. In 2023, he had the best season of his career, notching 114 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns. He also recorded another Pro Bowl season thanks to a solid connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Like Brown, Engram’s 2024 season has been hindered by injury. After a disappointing one-catch performance in week one, Engram strained a hamstring in warmups before a matchup against the Cleveland Browns and has not played since. With a consistent career of solid performances, Engram is bound to get back on track.
Laremy Tunsil: Houston Texans
Houston Texans offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil was drafted in 2016 by the Miami Dolphins as the 13th overall pick in the draft but ended up as part of a trade package to the Houston Texans in 2019. After rewarding seasons with the Texans, Tunsil was eventually named a Pro Bowler in 2022.
Tunsil made a huge impact on the offensive line in his time with Ole Miss. He started as a freshman and earned SEC honors multiple times throughout his college career.
In a week three loss to the Vikings, Tunsil recorded five penalties, including three false starts. Tunsil has been a solid player for the Texans though penalties have created defensive issues. Tunsil is sure to clean this up in upcoming weeks.
