INDIANAPOLIS – Former Mississippi defensive standout Robert Nkemdiche hopes to salvage his draft status, but would be elated if he dropped to the 17th position and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons.

“That would be amazing,” Nkemdiche said on Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. “That would be a dream come true to come back to Atlanta and give my all and be the best player for the Atlanta Falcons I could be.”

Nkemdiche, who played at Grayson High, said that teammate Laremy Tunsil was with him during his hotel incident in Buckhead that led to a drug possession charge.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) leaves the field after the game where the Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime 30-27, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez