Tag: LSU Draft

LSU defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy declares for 2023 NFL draft

Roy started 12 of 13 games this fall, totaling 49 tackles.

LSU’s turnover along the defensive line continued on Tuesday as defensive tackle [autotag]Jaquelin Roy[/autotag] declared for the 2023 NFL draft.

The junior and hometown kid from University Lab High School in Baton Rouge became a full-time starter alongside [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] on the interior this season. He appeared in all 13 games (starting 12 of them), and he finished the year with 49 tackles (3.5 for loss).

LSU has seen some losses on the defensive line so far this offseason between [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] joining Roy in the draft, along with the addition of [autotag]Desmond Little[/autotag] in the transfer portal.

To help recoup some of these losses, LSU landed a trio of defensive line transfers on Tuesday in [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] (Arizona), [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag] (Oregon) and [autotag]Jalen Lee[/autotag] (Florida).

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LSU receiver Jaray Jenkins declares for draft, opts out of Citrus Bowl

Jenkins participated in Senior Night, and he has played his last game with the Tigers as he will forego his final season of eligibility.

LSU will be without veteran receiver [autotag]Jaray Jenkins[/autotag] in the Citrus Bowl as he will opt out to begin preparing for the 2023 NFL draft.

Despite having an extra year of eligibility, it’s no shock to see Jenkins off to the league. Taking place in the senior day festivities signaled his plan. As for the bowl game absence, LSU should be fine. Most, if not all, of the receivers suiting up against Purdue will be guys expected to return in 2023.

Jenkins was never the most prolific player, but he showed up in big moments and was a veteran presence in a receiver room that lacked experience. The fifth-year senior led LSU in touchdowns since the beginning of 2021.

Jenkins’ best game as a Tiger came in 2021’s regular-season finale, in which he racked up 169 yards and caught the game-winning touchdown to send LSU to a bowl game.

His 2022 game-high came in the SEC Championship game with 72 yards and a touchdown. Jenkins finishes his LSU career with 1,370 yards and 14 touchdowns.

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LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari officially declares for 2023 NFL draft

Ojulari made his plans official on Sunday.

In a decision that came as no surprise, star LSU edge rusher [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] officially announced his intentions to leave the Tigers and declare for the 2023 NFL draft on Sunday. News of Ojulari’s decision first circulated earlier in the weekend, and Ojulari made things official with an announcement on Twitter.

An on and off-field leader for the Tigers who represented the team at SEC Media Days and was chosen to wear the No. 18 jersey this fall, Ojulari finished the 2022 season with 36 solo tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble. He was named a First Team All-SEC selection for his efforts, and he’s considered one of the top edge rushing prospects in the 2023 draft.

The loss of Ojulari and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag], as well as [autotag]Desmond Little[/autotag], who enters the transfer portal, leaves LSU a bit thin on the edge heading into 2023.

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LSU defensive end BJ Ojulari expected to enter 2023 NFL draft, per report

Ojulari had 58 tackles (8.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks in 2022.

In a move that is far from a surprise, LSU defensive end [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] is expected to declare for the 2023 NFL draft. The news was reported on Saturday by On3’s Matt Zenitz.

Ojulari became a full-time starter in 2021, and he was expected to be one of the best defensive linemen in the country. He largely lived up to those expectations this season, earning First Team All-SEC honors. Though his production dropped off a bit in 2022, he still finished with 58 tackles (8.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks.

The younger brother of New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari, BJ was considered a leader of the team, both on and off the field, and he was chosen to wear the prestigious No. 18 jersey this season. He also represented the team at SEC Media Days this summer.

Ojulari is listed as the No. 7 outside linebacker prospect in the 2023 NFL draft on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s big board.

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Where do Kayshon Boutte and BJ Ojulari go in Draft Wire’s latest 2-round mock?

A couple of Tigers come off the board in the second round of this recent mock.

A couple of Tigers were projected as second-rounders in Draft Wire’s latest mock draft.

Wide receiver [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag] was slated at pick No. 33, going to the Houston Texans and kicking off the second round. Later in the second, Draft Wire had the Rams select [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] at pick No. 51.

At this point in the season, there’s plenty of variability as to where Boutte and Ojulari might end up. Both have the talent of a first-round pick and potentially even a top-15 one, but both have some question marks.

There were very few questions surrounding Boutte entering the year, but he hasn’t produced at the level many expected and took some time to find his leadership role. Although, the fact that Boutte has now found his leadership skills should be a major plus in scouts’ minds come draft night.

In the case of Ojulari, he’s one of the best pure pass rushers in the country and has put constant pressure on the quarterback since stepping into a full-time role in 2021.

But Ojulari struggles against the run and NFL teams will have to consider the fact that he may not be an every-down player if one were to spend a first-round pick on him.

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2022 NFL Draft: Could Ali Gaye have the breakout season he needs?

Ali Gaye has all intangibles to be a dominant player in the NFL. Will Gaye have the breakout season he needs to rise up 2022 draft boards?

Now that the 2021 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror,  we’re all focusing on the upcoming season. Several of LSU’s players have a real shot of being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft next year, after the 2021-22 college football season concludes.

LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is the popular name, and deservingly so. Stingley is widely regarded as the best college cornerback in the country and if he can have another solid or elite year, a top-five draft selection is most certainly on the table for Stingley.

Who are some other LSU names that NFL Draft fanatics should be focusing on this season?

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Ali Gaye is the player that stands out to me.

Gaye is an absolute force of an edge-defender at 6-feet-6-inches and 262 pounds. Gaye has quick feet and great speed off the line. Gaye has shown to be a strong edge rusher who also flourishes in the run game with an incredible nose for the football.

While he isn’t the most explosive edge rusher in the 2022 draft class, Gaye does an excellent job utilizing his fundamentals and football IQ to make winning plays for his team.

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The NFL values players of his size and even more so; teams value players of his intellect as smart positional football is widely regarded as an important trait to a winning defense.

Gaye looks to have all intangibles to be a dominant player at the next level. Gaye plays the position with toughness, smart technique, and does enough things well to be a sure-fire draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

If he can improve aspects of his game this coming season, a high draft selection, maybe even late first round, isn’t out of the question for Gaye.

Over the years, we’ve seen defenders of his size rise up draft boards as NFL GM’s and coaches try to find the next difference-maker for their defense.

With Gaye looking to have a breakout season for the Tigers this season, keep an eye on his draft stock.