2021 NFL draft projections for nine former LSU stars

Pro day is always a big day for the LSU Tigers. Each year, the NFL descends on Baton Rouge to see some of the NFL draft’s top talent

Pro day is always a big day for the LSU Tigers.

Each year, the NFL descends on Baton Rouge to see some of the NFL draft’s top talent. Last year alone, LSU had 14 players selected, which tied the NFL record most selections from one school in the modern seven-round era.

On Wednesday, all 32 NFL teams were represented at LSU’s pro day, with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase the featured attraction.

And Chase, a projective top-five selection, did not disappoint.

However, Chase wasn’t the only former Tiger who stood out on Wednesday. Fellow wide receivers, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Racey McMath, both ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds.

Safety JaCoby Stevens, a standout defender for the past three years, also had a big day on Wednesday.

Stevens answered some questions about his ability to play safety at the next level. While there was some talk Stevens may be too heavy for safety in the NFL, he weighed in at 216 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.5 seconds. Regardless of where he plays, Stevens will make an impact early in his professional career.

So, where could Stevens be picked in the 2021 NFL draft?

Here are NFL draft projections for each of the nine former Tigers who participated in LSU’s pro day.

 

 

 

Three former LSU stars go in first two rounds of latest Touchdown Wire mock draft

Two trades on Friday shook up the 2021 NFL draft one month before the draft actually begins.

Two trades on Friday shook up the 2021 NFL draft one month before the draft actually begins. The San Francisco 49ers moved all the way up to the No. 3 spot, presumably to take one of the draft’s top passers.

The second trade involved the Miami Dolphins, who had the No. 3 pick before trading with San Francisco, moving down to No. 12 and then trading back up to No. 6.

With those trades, it appears quarterbacks will be selected with the first three picks for the first time since 1999. The question is, which quarterbacks?

Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence remains the favorite to go No. 1 overall, while Zach Wilson of BYU is expected to be taken No. 2 overall by the New York Jets.

Now, the fun begins at No. 3, where the 49ers could go with Alabama’s Mac Jones, Ohio State’s Justin Fields, or North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.

Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire released his mock draft 3.0 after Friday’s big trades and went with Lawrence, Wilson and Fields as his top three.

So, how did the big trades affect former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase? In many mock drafts, Chase was pegged to the Miami Dolphins at No. 3.

Perhaps, Miami sensed the run on quarterbacks, moved down, and came back up to get Chase at No. 6.

That’s exactly what Schofield believes, with Miami still getting Chase at No. 6 overall.

This is what Schofield had to say about Chase to Miami:

My money is on LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Chase opted-out last season but in 2019 showed everything you want to see from a young receiver. He can beat press off the line, he is a weapon in the downfield passing game, and he gives Tua Tagovailoa a fantastic option on the outside in addition to DeVante Parker and Will Fuller. This is suddenly a very dangerous receiver room.

Chase was the only former LSU star to go in the first round in Schofield’s mock draft. However, he did feature two former Tigers going in the second round.

Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. is predicted to go to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 37 overall. Philadelphia desperately needs wide receivers and Marshall would be an ideal fit.

At No. 51 overall, Schofield has the Washington Football Team selecting former LSU and North Dakota State linebacker Jabril Cox. Much like the Eagles need wide receivers, Washington needs linebackers to play behind arguably the NFL’s top defensive line.

The 2021 NFL draft begins on Thursday, April 29, leaving plenty of time for more trades.

Ravens get the WR they’ve been looking for in Mel Kiper’s 3rd mock draft

In his third mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper gives the Baltimore Ravens LSU WR Terrace Marshall Jr. in the 2021 NFL draft for the third time

With the first wave of free agency over, the 2021 NFL draft is the next big milestone of the offseason and it’s quickly approaching. The Baltimore Ravens have been on the hunt for help at wide receiver this offseason, failing to land any of the players they’ve been interested in. In his third mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper fixes that problem, giving the Ravens LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.

It’s a familiar name in Kiper’s mock drafts, having named Marshall to Baltimore in every single one thus far. Beyond the need the Ravens have, Marshall is a pretty good player too.

Lamar Jackson needs a wide receiver who can line up on the outside and run every route. That’s how Jackson can take the leap forward in Year 4. Marshall had 10 scores and averaged 15.2 yards per catch last season, and he had 13 touchdowns while catching passes from Joe Burrow in 2019.

Based on some of the free-agent wide receivers Baltimore has been connected with this offseason, it’s clear they want to find a sure-handed possession receiver who is capable of running all the routes. If that’s the same mindset they have entering the 2021 NFL draft, Marshall could very well be their guy. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, Marshall has the size to handle more physical work but with enough speed to still get behind a defender for a big play downfield. He’s capable of running a variety of routes at all three levels, making him an ideal pick up for a team that needs a wide receiver capable of winning one-on-one matchups.

Paired opposite Marquise Brown, Marshall could truly feast in Baltimore’s offense, working the underneath and intermediate routes. But Marshall’s versatility also means the Ravens can move him around the field to take advantage of matchups, bringing back that “pick your poison” style of offensive attack that worked so well for Baltimore in 2019.

[listicle id=60743]

Todd McShay mock draft has Ravens taking LSU WR Terrace Marshall in 1st round

The Baltimore Ravens address their need for wide receiver help in Todd McShay’s latest mock draft, taking LSU WR Terrace Marshall at No. 27.

It’s that time of the offseason when draft experts come out of the woodwork to show off the results from months of watching tape and scouting prospects. While no draft expert will get it right 100% of the time, especially when it comes to mock drafts, there are some worth paying a little more attention to than others. That’s the case with ESPN’s Todd McShay, who is one of the biggest names in the business.

McShay recently put out his second mock draft of the offseason and followed in Mel Kiper’s footsteps, giving the Ravens LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.

If Marshall can put up similar production for Baltimore as he did last season at LSU, the Ravens would be plenty happy. Marshall caught 48 passes for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns over seven games. While that might not be the eye-popping stats we sometimes see from draft prospects at the position, the revolving door at quarterback didn’t provide Marshall any favors. As is the case every offseason, you have to look beyond the stat sheet when gauging how good a player is and how great they might become.

For Marshall, his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame is right up the Ravens’ alley. He has the size to play on the outside, right where Baltimore needs someone the most, but he also has the speed and after-the-catch ability to be a serious weapon from the slot. If a defender tries to press him off the line, Marshall has the size and strength to bully them and create separation. If they give Marshall a lot of cushion, he has the agility to make a quick cut underneath to take advantage of the separation and the acceleration to turn five yards into 50.

With Dez Bryant and Willie Snead expected to leave in free agency, there are holes both on the outside and inside that have to be filled. The Ravens will likely turn to James Proche and Devin Duvernay — last year’s draft picks — to play on the inside but have desperately needed a big-bodied, sure-handed possession receiver. While Marshall isn’t exactly the prototype for that role, he’s handled the responsibility well at LSU while showcasing his versatility in 2020, making him a really attractive option all over the field.

There’s still plenty of time left until the 2021 NFL draft kicks off and we’ll likely see quite a few more names get attached to the Ravens. But the fact Marshall has come up so frequently is intriguing.

[listicle id=60743]

3 potential landing spots for ex-LSU WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

Here’s a look into three places the wideout could land in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Terrace Marshall Jr. was one of LSU’s most valuable players on offense heading into the 2020 season, especially when Ja’Marr Chase decided to opt out.

Marshall himself opted out on Nov. 29, ahead of LSU’s home matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The receiver had a place within an elite group of LSU pass-catchers in the 2019 season, and it’s not unreasonable to believe that his ceiling is roughly as high as that of Chase and Justin Jefferson.

Marshall finished out his LSU career with 106 receptions for 1,594 yards with 23 touchdowns. Over seven games in 2020, Marshall tallied 48 catches for 731 yards with 10 touchdowns.

Here’s a look into three places the wideout could land in the 2021 NFL Draft:

1. New Orleans Saints.

What do we make of a team’s receiving corps when a running back finishes with more receptions than any wide receiver on the roster? That’s what happened with the Saints last year — a reflection of just how much they need to prioritize the position this year.

Of course, there were other factors that played into that, like Michael Thomas’ injury issues after a standout season, just to name one element.

Regardless, New Orleans could still stand to add another young talent that can be there for the long haul, and Marshall could be a perfect fit at the right time.

Mel Kiper’s 1st mock draft has Ravens picking top WR in 2021 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens remedy their weakest position in Mel Kiper’s first mock draft, selecting LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.

The Baltimore Ravens once again come into the offseason in need of help at wide receiver. Not only did Baltimore not have enough offensive firepower at times last season, leading to their early exit from the postseason, but the Ravens could also potentially lose Willie Snead in free agency. So with Mel Kiper’s first mock draft, the ESPN draft analyst took care of Baltimore’s biggest offseason need.

Kiper has the Ravens selecting LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. with the No. 27 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. And Kiper’s explanation perfectly fits Baltimore’s woes.

The Ravens’ passing attack did not take a step forward in Lamar Jackson’s second full season as the starting quarterback. Marquise Brown was the only receiver who caught at least 35 passes, and even he was too inconsistent. Baltimore had the fewest passing attempts, passing yards and passing first downs in the league. Adding another top-tier wideout is how it can really take the offense to the next level. Marshall was coming on as LSU’s top wideout this season, and he had 10 touchdowns in seven games before he opted out of the season in November. He has some quickness in a 6-3 frame.

While Brown did step his game up in the final few weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs, he hasn’t been the ultimate answer many were hoping for. Brown’s straight-line speed and open-field quickness make him a real asset but the Ravens need a big-bodied possession receiver capable of moving the chains as well as he can put up touchdowns.

The hope was Miles Boykin would turn into that type of weapon for Baltimore. But Boykin never really fulfilled the role, ultimately seeing the Ravens bring in 37-year-old Dez Bryant to help out. There still should be hope Boykin can make a leap in his third season but the team would be wise not to count on it and, instead, continue to stack talent at arguably their worst position.

Marshall played second fiddle to Justin Jefferson in LSU’s offense in 2019 before getting his crack as the top dog in 2020. With Jefferson’s impressive rookie campaign with the Minnesota Vikings, it’s easy to wonder if Marshall will have a similar entrance to the NFL.

Marshall might not be the fastest guy on the field but he’s fast enough to get behind defenders. He knows how to use his body to guard passes away from defenders and high-point the ball in contested situations. He shows enough polish on his routes to create some separation and has the play-strength to power through would-be tacklers for extra yards. Perhaps more importantly, Marshall is sure-handed and isn’t afraid to make catches in traffic in the middle of the field.

It’s still far too early to know how the 2021 NFL draft will shape up but Kiper’s selection for the Ravens is a good one.

[vertical-gallery id=59108]

Where each LSU draft-eligible player lands in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft

Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. left a mark on LSU. The two wideouts could be first round picks in the 2021 NFL draft.

Two former LSU Tigers players have been mocked in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft over the past few months.

CBS Sports updated its mock draft on Tuesday, and there has been a shakeup where the former Tigers land.

Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. are two of the best LSU receivers in recent years and are sure to be off the board quickly.

Where do they land in the updated mock draft? Here’s a look at the latest:

Ja’Marr Chase- Detroit Lions (Round 1, Pick 7)

The Lions will be in need of a star receiver entering the 2021 season. Current Lions wideouts Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola have their contracts expire after this season.

Chase could be the difference-maker. The former Biletnikoff Award winner has been mocked to different teams, but has remained in the top 10 the entire time.

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford could use a solid outside weapon that can go up and catch any pass. Chase fits that mold perfectly. Selecting him at No. 7 overall would provide the Lions with an immediate boost on the outside as they look to get to the playoffs in 2021.

Where do Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. land in CBS Sports’ 2021 NFL mock draft?

Both Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. could be first-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

[jwplayer nsNnmdIs-er0jUifI]

The LSU Tigers had 14 players selected in the 2020 NFL draft. Heading into the 2021 draft, two former Tigers players are listed as first-round selections.

CBS Sports updated its 2021 NFL mock draft on Tuesday, and have two former LSU receivers being selected within the first 32 picks.

Both Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. had outstanding careers for the LSU football program.

Chase opted out of the 2020 college football season during the offseason. The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner was already a top 10 lock before choosing to not play this season.

[lawrence-related id=13874]

As for Marshall Jr., he decided to play seven games before he opted out last week as LSU was set to face Alabama.

Here is CBS Sports’ updated mock draft listing where the two former Tigers could land.

WR Ja’Marr Chase-Philadelphia Eagles (Round 1, Pick 6)

It’s no surprise that Chase is still being listed as a top 10 selection. Throughout this season, the former LSU receiver had been projected in the top five to different teams.

The Eagles need another lethal wide receiver, and Chase would fit the offense perfectly.

Philadelphia is currently 3-8-1 on the season. Its top target, Travis Fulgham, has 33 receptions for  467 yards and four touchdowns. The Eagles selected former TCU receiver Jalen Reagor with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 draft.

Selecting Chase at No. 6 overall would immediately boost the Eagles’ outside threats.

LSU-Alabama: Four things to know ahead of Saturday

As LSU gets set to seek two straight wins over Alabama, the Tigers will enter as a huge underdog and be without Terrace Marshall Jr.

LSU is getting set to face No. 1 Alabama inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday night.

The game was rescheduled to Saturday from the initial postponement for the November 5 original scheduled meeting.

The Tigers enter the game under .500 at 3-4 overall, and Alabama enters with a perfect 8-0 record.

Here are four things to know ahead of Saturday’s game.

LSU going for two straight

The Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide, 46-41, last season in Tuscaloosa en route to the program’s fourth national championship.

But this time around, things look much different within the LSU program.

The Tigers will be seeking a second straight win over the Crimson Tide. Before last year’s win, LSU hadn’t beaten Alabama since a 9-6 overtime thrilling win in 2011.

Who are LSU players of the week following loss to Texas A&M?

The LSU defense led the way in the 20-7 loss at Texas A&M, with Micah Baskerville recording 12 total tackles against the Aggies.

[jwplayer JVtRFXgT]

LSU was defeated 20-7 at No. 5 Texas A&M last Saturday, but the Tigers defense continued to look impressive.

The defense held the Aggies to just 267 total yards of offense, including 105 passing yards to Kellen Mond, on a rainy night in College Station.

Despite the lack of offensive production, wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. showed why he was the top target on the team.

Here’s a quick look into the offensive and defensive players of the week following the Tigers’ loss to Texas A&M.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr. 

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Marshall opted out of the season on Monday, but gave one last showing against the Aggies. The junior finished with 134 receiving yards on 10 receptions for one touchdown.

Likely to be a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Marshall left Tigers fans with one final quality outing at the wide receiver spot.