The experts in the NFL Draft publications were wrong about Rory Johnson.

Predicted by many publications to get picked somewhere between the third and seventh round, the former Vicksburg High and McCall standout went undrafted.

Many undrafted prospects sign free-agent contracts and then try to work their way onto an NFL roster.

Johnson said Friday that he had been fielding calls nearly non-stop from the several teams around the league.

An Ole Miss linebacker did get picked on Saturday’s first day of the draft when Patrick Willis was selected 11th overall by San Francisco.

After a star career in high school, Johnson went to Hinds Community College for two seasons. He signed with Ole Miss out of juco. He played one season for the Rebels before declaring for the draft.

Some hinted that he should have stayed at Ole Miss longer than one season, but Johnson said Friday he was pleased with his decision.

&#8220I’m definitely glad I put myself up for the draft. I have to be a man about it and stick with my decision,” he said.

Only a handful of Mississippi natives were selected, the highest being Willis at No. 11. Brandon Jackson, a University of Nebraska running back who starred at Horn Lake, went to Green Bay with a second-round pick.