DaMarkus

Lodge

There is a large gap between where Lodge (6'2/202) and D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown are expected to be drafted, but Pauline says that Lodge “ran great routes and caught the ball incredibly well” at his pro day. Pauline also reports that the receiver met with the Giants, Bills, and Saints. While all good,Lodge averaged 1.8 yards per target less than his teammates in 2018 and tested as a below average athlete at the NFL Scouting Combine, so he’s only expected to fetch a Day 3 pick.

Lodge (6'2/202) didn’t have the best day, but it wasn’t bad enough to make teams worry. The Ole Miss receiver finished with a speed score of 94.0 (below average) and a vertical jump of 33.5 inches. On the field, Lodge only averaged 8.0 yards per target, which was 1.8 yards worse than his teammates. With everything factored in, Lodge has the profile of a Day 3 prospect.

Per Ledyard, Lodge was dinged up during Wednesday’s practice. He’s out there on the sidelines on Saturday, but won’t be taking part in any of the action. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound wideout is a likely Day 3 selection for later this spring. He’ll try to get back into the flow of the draft process at the NFL Scouting Combine next month (assuming he receives the invite, and assuming health allows).

Lodge played second fiddle to the A.J. Brown for the most part, but the senior wideout was still able to put up quality numbers in the Ole Miss offense. He finished the year with a line of 65/877/4, and while much of that damage was done in a handful of games, the damage still counts. He’s graded as a mid-round pick right now, but with 6-foot-2, 204-pound size and quality hands, he’ll have a chance to move into the top 100 with a good showing at the combine and the Shrine Game.

Lodge entered the day with back-to-back 100-yard games while posting touchdowns in each of the past two. It wasn’t in the cards for a big finish on Thursday, as the Rebels were humbled by their rivals from Starkville in this one. Many people laud the achievements and potential of fellow Ole Miss WR A.J. Brown, but Lodge has the potential to be a third- or fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and he might turn in quite the productive career.

Lodge (6'2/199) was placed in concussion protocol following last Saturday’s win over Texas Tech. It’s logical that the Rebs would give him a rest versus Southern Illinois. They’ll hope to have him back in the fold against Alabama next weekend. Expect his status for that one to clarify over the coming practice week.

Lodge (6'2/199) is hoping to practice tomorrow, but if he can’t than Matt Luke said he will most likely be out on Saturday. Luke notes that Lodge is further along than LB Kevontae’ Ruggs -- who is also in the concussion protocol -- so there is hope that Lodge will be available. If Lodge doesn’t play, look for stud WR A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf to get even more looks.

Lodge now has 19 catches in his last two games. The attention goes to A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf, but Lodge (6'2/199) has been a big part of the Ole Miss offense when he’s been healthy enough to be on the field. He’s now scored in back-to-back games, and his 35 catches are just six away from matching last year’s total. Don’t be surprised if he passes that total next week against Auburn.

Lodge was the leading receiver for the Rebels in the opener against Texas Tech, hauling in six passes for 96 yards. It now appears his chances of playing against Southern Illinois on Saturday are very much in doubt, however. A.J. Brown will remain the top target whether Lodge is available or not, but if he can’t go, it should mean more targets for players like D.K. Metcalf and Braylon Sanders.

Lodge (6'2/199) and A.J. Brown combined for 329 yards and two touchdowns tonight. The senior receiver doesn’t get the love he probably deserves with Brown getting much of the attention, but Lodge now has 61 receptions, 823 yards, and six touchdowns this year as Brown’s compliment. Lodge will end his Ole Miss regular season career with a game against Mississippi State next week.