How LSU rookies performed in their first preseason games

Here’s how LSU’s rookies performed in their preseason debuts.

The NFL preseason is underway. As we get closer to playing football that matters, we’re getting our first real look at rookies on a professional field.

As usual, LSU has several former players starting their NFL careers in 2024. The Tigers’ draft class was headlined by QB [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], who the Washington Commanders selected with the No. 2 overall pick. Daniels was joined in the first round by receivers [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag]

Later in the draft, three defensive tackles were taken out of LSU. The Jaguars took [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag] while [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] landed in Detroit with the Lions.

Five of the six made their preseason debut in the last several days with Jefferson being the only holdout.

LSU’s put a few stars in the NFL in recent years and there’s hope this group produces a few more. Here’s how they performed in their pro debuts, starting with Daniels.

Jayden Daniels

Daniels played just one series but made a strong impression in a few plays. In three dropbacks, Daniels completed two passes for 45 yards.

We saw Daniels excel with ball placement downfield last year and it was more of the same in his pro debut.

The drive was capped with a Daniels rushing score.

Malik Nabers

Nabers played 12 snaps in his debut, but he wasn’t targeted, leaving his stat line empty.

Despite the numbers, Nabers ran routes at an NFL level. If New York can get him the ball, he’ll make plays in 2024.

Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas wasted no time putting his perimeter playmaking skills on display. His lone catch was a 42-yard shot down the sideline that saw Thomas fight for position to haul it in as he went to the ground.

Thomas posted an impressive 79.2 PFF grade in limited action.

Mekhi Wingo

Wingo played 31 defensive snaps in his debut with Detroit. He didn’t record a tackle but he did manage one pressure.

After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke highly of Wingo’s performance.

Maason Smith

Maason Smith played 21 snaps in his first game and according to PFF, was the 11th best-graded rookie defensive tackle in the first week. Smith was only on the field for nine rush plays, so it was tough to make an impact there.

Like Wingo, he added one QB pressure.

How did some of the UDFAs do?

The draft picks weren’t the only LSU rookies to make their debut. LSU had some undrafted free agents take to the field as well.

[autotag]Charles Turner III[/autotag] played 10 snaps for the Patriots and allowed two pressures but still posted a 75.0 PFF pass block grade.

[autotag]Ovie Oghoufo[/autotag] made a good first impression, recording four tackles, a pressure, and a batted pass for the Giants.

Linebacker [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] was one of the top-graded rookie linebackers after making four tackles and pressuring the quarterback twice with the Rams.

In his debut with the Eagles, safety [autotag]Andre Sam[/autotag] played 19 snaps and made a tackle.

As for players who didn’t play, Jefferson and [autotag]Noah Cain[/autotag] are awaiting their debuts.

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Jaguars rookie projections: DL Jordan Jefferson

Jaguars rookie projections: DL Jordan Jefferson

The Jaguars exited the 2024 NFL draft with nine new contributors, bolstering their roster with potential after signing eight free agents between March and April in their offseason-long effort to reclaim postseason status this year.

How impactful might Jacksonville’s rookie class be as the team chases a playoff spot?

Jaguars Wire is projecting roles and rookie production for each of Jacksonville’s 2024 draft picks, continuing the series by focusing on the Jaguars’ fourth-round, No. 116 overall selection, defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson.

Jaguars rookie projections: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars rookie projections: DL Maason Smith

Jaguars rookie projections: CB Jarrian Jones

Jaguars rookie projections: OL Javon Foster

Jordan Jefferson’s projected role with the Jaguars

Jefferson is one of two LSU defensive linemen and three Tigers prospects Jacksonville drafted this year, following first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and second-round defensive lineman Maason Smith.

Jefferson profiles as a nose tackle in the Jaguars’ defensive scheme, per general manager Trent Baalke, whereas Smith is viewed as a positionally versatile prospect who could move around the front.

“Power. He’s a guy that consistently had great knockback at the point of attack, uses his hands extremely well, dominates his area at the point,” Baalke described Jefferson in April.

“That’s another one that the coaching staff went out and worked out along with Maason, they were at the same workout. They spent a lot of time with him, really liked the makeup of the young man. He started at West Virginia, then transferred to LSU. A lot to like and see a big upside in that player.”

Like Smith, however, the Jaguars won’t necessarily rush Jefferson into a significant role despite the upside they see in his game.

Now recovered from a non-football injury that derailed his 2023 season, DaVon Hamilton — who Jacksonville signed to a three-year, $34 million contract extension a year ago — returns as the Jaguars’ starting nose tackle.

Hamilton should primarily fill the one-player-at-a-time position throughout the campaign, with Jefferson rotating in as he gains comfort within the scheme.

Hamilton offers pass-rushing upside from the spot with 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits in his career, which could lead Jefferson to handle some of the early-down work against the run while keeping the veteran fresh for passing downs.

Of course, Jefferson will likely contribute to Jacksonville’s special teams units as a rookie, specifically in the middle of the field goal block and punt block teams.

Jordan Jefferson’s projected rookie stats

  • 15 tackles
  • 1.5 tackles for loss

15 tackles would have ranked tied for No. 13 among rookie interior defensive linemen in 2023. 1.5 tackles for loss would have ranked No. 10.

DL Jordan Jefferson signs Jaguars’ rookie contract

DL Jordan Jefferson signs Jaguars’ rookie contract

Defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson, the Jaguars’ second fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, signed his rookie contract with Jacksonville on Monday, the team announced.

Jefferson is the seventh member of Jacksonville’s 2024 draft class to sign with the club, following third-round cornerback Jarrian Jones, fourth-round offensive tackle Javon Foster, fifth-rounders — cornerback Deantre Prince and running back/return specialist Keilan Robinson, sixth-round kicker Cam Little and seventh-round edge rusher Myles Cole.

Only first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and second-round defensive lineman Maason Smith — Jefferson’s teammates dating back to the 2023 season at LSU — remain unsigned at press time.

Jefferson joined the Tigers for his final season of college football after four years at West Virginia.

The Sunshine State product, from Navarre, Fla., accumulated 90 tackles including 21.5 for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and eight defended passes in his college career.

Jefferson profiles as a nose tackle in Jacksonville’s defensive scheme. Smith will primarily line up next to him at three-technique tackle, among other alignments.

“Power. He’s a guy that consistently had great knockback at the point of attack, uses his hands extremely well, dominates his area at the point,” Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke described Jefferson’s skill set after the draft. “A lot to like and see a big upside in that player.”

Former LSU WR Jarvis Landry invited to Jaguars rookie minicamp

Jarvis Landry is attempting a return to the NFL after taking 2023 off.

After being out of the league in 2023 as he rehabbed an ankle injury, [autotag]Jarvis Landry[/autotag] is looking to make his return to the NFL.

Landry was invited to join the Jacksonville Jaguars for their rookie minicamp, where he will work out with the team and hope to land a spot on the roster, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The 31-year-old is a five-time Pro Bowler but hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2019.

A former second-round pick by the Dolphins, Landry spent the first four seasons of his career in Miami before spending the next four in Cleveland. He signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2022, appearing in nine games with three starts.

He totaled 272 yards and a touchdown on 25 catches before he was placed on injured reserve in December.

He’ll get the chance to work alongside former LSU players [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag], [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag], who were all drafted by Jacksonville this past weekend.

Now finally healthy, Landry will hope to make an impression on the Jaguars’ brass when he participates in the rookie minicamp, which will take place next month.

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Stats, facts and fit: New Jaguars DL Jordan Jefferson

Stats, facts and fit: New Jaguars DL Jordan Jefferson

Jacksonville double-dipped on the defensive line class taking two trench prospects from the same school, specifically — of the 2024 NFL draft. After selecting Maason Smith in the second round, the Jaguars picked fellow former LSU lineman Jordan Jefferson at No. 116 overall.

Jaguars Wire analyzes Jacksonville’s selection of Jefferson below, reviewing his background, college stats, NFL combine results, projected fit in Jacksonville’s defense and what he said after being picked.

Jordan Jefferson, DL, LSU

Sep 18, 2021; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson (95) celebrates after a defensive stop during the first quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Background

A Sunshine State native from Navarre (Fla.) High, Jefferson signed with West Virginia in the 2019 recruiting class and spent four seasons with the Mountaineers before transferring to LSU.

Jefferson’s first two seasons with West Virginia were quiet before he exploded between 2021-22, compiling 13.5 tackles for loss, 48 total tackles and six pass breakups.

He paired with Smith and Mekhi Wingo, a sixth-round pick by Detroit on Sunday, to form the Tigers’ primary defensive front in 2023, appearing in all 13 games and starting in six. He totaled 36 tackles with seven for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup with LSU, in his final season of college eligibility.

College stats and accolades

via LSU Sports and Pro Football Focus 

  • 55 appearances
  • 23 starts
  • 90 tackles
  • Six sacks
  • 21.5 tackles for loss
  • One forced fumble
  • Eight passes defended
  • 28 quarterback pressures
  • 44 defensive stops (tackles that constitute a failed play for the offense)
  • 2024 Senior Bowl invitation

NFL combine results

via MockDraftable

  • 6-foot-2 and 3/4-inch (36th percentile among defensive tackles at the NFL combine since 1999)
  • 313 pounds (71st percentile)
  • 33 and 1/8-inch arm length (48th percentile)
  • 79 and 1/4-inch wingspan (43rd percentile)
  • 31-inch vertical jump (71st percentile)
  • 104-inch broad jump (40th percentile)
  • 34 bench press reps (87th percentile)

Projected fit

Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke confirmed that Jefferson profiles as a nose tackle in Jacksonville’s defense. The position should allow him to slide between the zero-to-two techniques in coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s multiple defensive front.

“Power. He’s a guy that consistently had great knockback at the point of attack, uses his hands extremely well, dominates his area at the point,” Baalke described Jefferson’s skill set. “A lot to like and see a big upside in that player.”

Jefferson will likely back up DaVon Hamilton at the spot, who started 14 games in 2022 but was limited to eight appearances in 2023 due to a non-football-related back injury suffered before the season. Hamilton signed a three-year, $34.5 million extension with Jacksonville last April.

Quotable

“They are getting two dominant dogs. They are getting two guys that are going to cause disruption not only in the run game but also the pass game. They are getting just all-around, quality guys. They are getting some hard-working guys, guys that are going to show up to work every day and put forth all their effort.” — defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson on Jacksonville selecting him and fellow LSU defensive lineman Maason Smith

DT Jordan Jefferson drafted in 4th round, becomes 3rd LSU player selected by Jaguars

Jordan Jefferson is joining Brian Thomas Jr. and Maason Smith in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars are importing the bayou to northeast Florida, it seems.

Jacksonville selected LSU defensive tackle [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag] with the 116th pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday, making him the third former Tiger the team has picked this weekend.

He joins first-round selection [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] and second-round selection [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] in Duval. The move will also pair him and Smith up once again with former LSU defensive coordinator [autotag]Matt House[/autotag], who was hired as the Jags’ linebackers coach this offseason.

Jefferson spent just one season at LSU as a graduate transfer from West Virginia. He began the season as a rotational player but became a starter when [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] went down with injury.

 

Jefferson appeared in 13 games with six starts at LSU in 2023, totaling 36 tackles (seven for loss) and 2.5 sacks.

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2024 NFL draft: Jaguars select DT Jordan Jefferson in fourth round

Jaguars pick DT Jordan Jefferson in fourth round, their third LSU Tiger selection of the 2024 NFL draft

Jacksonville took its third LSU prospect of the 2024 NFL draft with the No. 116 overall pick in the fourth round, choosing Tigers defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson, minutes following the Jaguars’ selection of Missouri offensive tackle Javon Foster at No. 114.

Jacksonville picked Jefferson’s teammates, LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 23 in the first round and Tigers defensive tackle Maason Smith at No. 48 in the second round, on Thursday and Friday.

The Jaguars obtained the No. 116 selection via trade with New Orleans last year.

Jefferson, 6-foot-2 and 3/4-inch, 313 pounds, spent the 2023 season at LSU after four years at West Virginia, the school he signed with out of Navarre (Fla.) High in the class of 2019.

Over 55 games and 23 starts in his college career, Jefferson compiled 90 tackles including 21.5 for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble, eight defended passes, 28 quarterback pressures and 44 defensive stops, the latter two stats provided by Pro Football Focus.  Stops are tackles that constitute a failed play for the offense.

While Smith best projects as a three-technique with the potential to play five-technique and nose tackle, Jefferson profiles as a true nose tackle who should offer depth to Jaguars’ starter DaVon Hamilton in 2024.

Additionally, Jacksonville took Florida State cornerback Jarrian Jones at No. 96 in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Jaguars’ remaining 2024 NFL draft picks

  • Round 5, Pick 153
  • Round 5, Pick 167 (via Minnesota)
  • Round 6, Pick 212
  • Round 7, Pick 236

This is a breaking news story that will be updated. 

Where Jayden Daniels ranks among quarterbacks on Mel Kiper Jr.’s final draft board

Here’s where Jayden Daniels and other Tigers rank on Mel Kiper Jr.’s final draft board.

We’re just over 48 hours away from the start of the 2024 NFL draft, and that means it’s time for analysts and prognosticators to put forth their final predictions.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his final big board on Tuesday ahead of the draft, and when it came to LSU players, there weren’t a lot of changes from what we’ve seen over the past few months.

LSU quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] — the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner — is still ranked second overall and among quarterbacks behind only Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, Daniels’ favorite college targets [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] rank fifth and 17th, respectively, as well as third and fourth among receivers.

The Tigers don’t have as many mid-round prospects as we’ve seen in past years. That trio comprises the only LSU players in the top 75 with [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] coming in at 78th overall followed by [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] at 92.

Those were the only players Kiper had in his top 150, though [autotag]Charles Turner III[/autotag] (No. 11 center), [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag] (No. 12 defensive tackle), [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] (No. 32 inside linebacker), [autotag]Ovie Oghoufo[/autotag] (No. 28 outside linebacker) and [autotag]Andre Sam[/autotag] (No. 30 safety) all cracked the positional rankings.

It likely won’t be as many players as LSU has seen drafted overall in some recent years, but it’s a top-heavy class for the Tigers, and Thursday’s Round 1 should be an eventful one.

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Photos of LSU players at the 2024 NFL combine, including Brian Thomas Jr.’s historic performance

Brian Thomas Jr. headlined LSU’s contingent in Indianapolis this weekend after he posted one of the best receiver combines ever.

The 2024 NFL scouting combine is in the books, and it was a busy weekend for former LSU Tigers and current draft hopefuls.

While LSU’s two biggest stars — quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and receiver [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag], both of which are projected top 10 picks — didn’t participate in drills and only interviewed, a number of other players went through the full gauntlet.

That includes [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag], who may have helped his stock more than anyone in Indianapolis this week. Thomas registered the second-fasted 40-yard dash time among receivers and recorded a Relative Athletic Score that ranked 10th all-time at the position in the combine’s history.

It was also the best in program history for LSU.

Also in action this weekend were [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag], [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag], [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag], [autotag]Charles Turner[/autotag] and [autotag]Andre Sam[/autotag]. Here are the photos from all of them in Indianapolis this weekend.

7-Round Mock Draft: Trades net Cowboys OC, LB, WR, RB

What fun is a mock draft if there aren’t trades involved? The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones used to have a reputation as wheelers and dealers, but they’ve reserved most of their movement for the second half of most recent drafts. Gone are the days …

What fun is a mock draft if there aren’t trades involved? The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones used to have a reputation as wheelers and dealers, but they’ve reserved most of their movement for the second half of most recent drafts. Gone are the days when the team moved up or done on a regular basis, but that might all change in 2024 with their “all-in” decree.

Dallas moved back a few spots in 2021 when they dropped from 10th to 12th and still ended up with Micah Parsons. Prior to that, Dallas hadn’t moved in the first round since 2013. That year they dropped from No. 18 to No. 31 and selected Travis Frederick at center along with WR Terence Williams with the extra pick. The year prior they bundled picks to move up and select CB Morris Claiborne. Things have been much more measured in the last decade.

In our latest mock draft simulation, we not only move around in Round 1, but several other times during the draft. The objective is to use the first several picks on players who could fill an immediate role on the club.