Why did Zxavian Harris slide out of NFL draft, not sign as UDFA? Pete Golding weighs in
Ole Miss football defensive tackle Zxavian Harris slid all the way out of the NFL Draft. Here's why he could've slid, and how Pete Golding reacted
OXFORD — According to some predictions, Ole Miss football defensive tackle Zxavian Harris had one of the steepest falls during the 2026 NFL Draft . Harris was not picked. Only two Rebels, wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and offensive tackle Jayden Williams, were taken.
Unlike a handful of other Rebels who were not among the 257 selections, Harris has not signed a contract as an undrafted free agent . Offensive lineman Diego Pounds, safety Kapena Gushiken, linebacker Tahj Chambers, safety Wydett Williams, tight end Dae'quan Wright and receiver Harrison Wallace have signed with teams. Entering the week, ESPN projected Harris as the No.
63 overall player in the draft and the No. 5 defensive tackle. He is ranked as the best player available.
Harris was projected as a third-round pick in a seven-round USA TODAY Sports mock draft released April 16. He was projected to be the first Ole Miss player selected. Harris had three sacks and nine tackles for loss in 2025.