The LSU Tigers had a record-setting draft this year, with 14 former players finding their NFL landing spots in the event.
In 2020, it’s quite possible the team as a whole could take a step back with all LSU has lost between the roster and the coaching staff after winning the national championship over Clemson back in January.
But the Tigers still return a host of talent, and should be expected to have some notable names taking their careers to the professional level when April comes around.
When the Draft Wire’s Jacob Infante released his latest mock draft, there were two Tigers off the board within the first 32 picks.
[lawrence-related id=9157]
Infante pinned wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase as the first selection to come out of LSU, with the Carolina Panthers taking him at No. 6 overall.
Here’s what he had to say about the pick.
“The Panthers could very well take a quarterback in next year’s draft if Teddy Bridgewater doesn’t live up to the hype. However, there could be fantastic value available for them in this scenario in the form of Biletnikoff winner Chase. A fluid, physical receiver with superb ball skills and value after the catch, reuniting him with Panthers offensive coordinator and former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady would be a match made in heaven.”
Defensive lineman Tyler Shelvin followed Chase at No. 29 overall, headed to the New Orleans Saints.
“It’s tough to project what the Saints might do in next year’s draft since they have talented players essentially everywhere on their roster. While taking a big-bodied, run-stuffing defensive tackle with limited pass-rushing value might not be the sexiest pick in the world, a massive interior defender like Shelvin could help further improve New Orleans’ run defense.”
It will be interesting to see how closely these projections ultimately align with reality, but if Chase and Shelvin live up to the expectations set for them this year, both players should be off the board sooner rather than later.
[lawrence-related id=9309] [vertical-gallery id=9202]