Tag: LSU NFL

NFL Network gives update on Odell Beckham’s status

NFL Network provides an update on Odell Beckham’s free agency

As the NFL season grows closer, former LSU wideout [autotag]Odell Beckham Jr[/autotag] is still without a home.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network recently had an update on Beckham’s status.

Rapoport pointed out how Beckham is still recovering from an ACL and could be exercising patience. Beckham might not be able to play early in the year anyway, so why not take more time to recover?

It doesn’t seem like Beckham is signing anytime soon. This would give Beckham a chance to join a contender down the stretch in good health.

The Rams have maintained interest, but there hasn’t been much smoke around other teams.

Teams like the Cowboys, Titans, or Colts could use his services. All three of those teams expect to contend but need some more depth at wide receiver.

In 14 games last year, Beckham caught 44 passes for 537 yards. He really shined in the postseason, where he had 288 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

That included a 113-yard performance in the NFC Championship game. In the Super Bowl, he put the Rams up 7-0 with a first-quarter touchdown.

In his eight NFL seasons, Beckham has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on five occasions and that total could be even higher if it weren’t for injuries.

Beckham is just 29 and could be an important part of an offense this year.

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Justin Jefferson ready to put the NFL on notice in year 2

Justin Jefferson had an historic rookie season for the Vikings, and many would say it’ll be tough to top what he accomplished in year one.

Former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson came into the leauge last season without high expectations. Jefferson was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, with the 22nd overall selection.

Expectations for players drafted outside of the top-15 are much different than those drafted at the top of the draft, especially top-5.

Many believed Jefferson could be a nice compliment to Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and running back Dalvin Cook. After the Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, a wide receiver was a need for them heading into last years draft.

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Enter Justin Jefferson.

Not only did Jefferson exceed expectations in year one, but he also ended up setting numerous Minnesota Vikings and NFL all-time records.

In year two, the expectations for Jefferson will be much, much different. The league has now seen how talented a player Jefferson is. Defenders will challenge Jefferson in a new way, a more physically demanding way, and he will have to adjust accordingly.

Judging from how he’s approached the offseason, I’d say he’s up for the challenge.

In the clip above, Jefferson’s routes look even crisper than they did a year ago. His route-running is among the best in the game and he’s not slowing down. His quickness and change of direction is as elite as you’ll see on a football field.

Justin Jefferson had an historic rookie season for the Vikings, and many would say it’ll be tough to top what he accomplished in year one.

I think he’s up for it.

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.

Derrius Guice’s attorneys respond to rape allegations

On Wednesday morning, USA TODAY released a bombshell report alleging former LSU running back Derrius Guice raped two women during his time in Baton Rouge. The story, co-written by Kenny Jacoby and Nancy Armour, featured several disturbing …

On Wednesday morning, USA TODAY released a bombshell report alleging former LSU running back Derrius Guice raped two women during his time in Baton Rouge.

The story, co-written by Kenny Jacoby and Nancy Armour, featured several disturbing allegations, some of which allege the school had knowledge of the assaults and chose not to investigate.

Later in the day, Austin Kemker of WAFB 9 in Baton Rouge, reached out to Guice’s attorneys — Greenspun Shapiro PC — and received this statement.

The statement alleges that no allegations of physical or sexual assault were ever brought against Guice during his time at LSU.

Officials at LSU refused to comment on the allegations, however, did release the following statement to USA TODAY.

LSU and LSU Athletics take all accusations of sexual assault with the utmost seriousness. Formal complaints are promptly and fully investigated and the rights and privacy of students are protected as stipulated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Complainants are also strongly encouraged to report the offense to law enforcement and are provided information on health care, counseling and supportive measures available.

Guice played at LSU from 2015-17, rushing for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns during his college career. He went on to become a second-round pick of the Washington Football Team in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Guice battled injuries during his first two years in the NFL, playing in a total of five games. Washington released him on Aug. 7 after he was arrested on multiple charges related to three separate incidents of domestic violence.