There are many NCAA schools riddled with NFL talent on their rosters. Each player has the sparkle in his eye and the hope of hearing his name called in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 27th. The reality is, not everyone can be selected during the 2017 NFL draft. Today, I break down the NFL talent from Louisiana State University.
The LSU Tigers
The Tigers have fourteen prospects that have a chance to hear their name called during the 2017 NFL draft. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each player.
Jamal Adams – SS
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 214 lbs.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jamal Adams’ game is that he can play both safety positions. While he makes outstanding plays in the box, he can also roam free over the top. A season ago, Adams notched 76 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He plays with no hesitation against the run.
LSU Safety Jamal Adams Highlights pic.twitter.com/1BlIrRfbpr
— 2018 NFL Draft (@DraftRT) March 18, 2017
Jamal Adams is so, so good. pic.twitter.com/lZvik24ivh
— Riley Auman (@junioraumanac) March 22, 2017
One AFC area scout told NFL.com,
“The people who have been at that program the longest think he might be the best leader LSU has had in years. He’s a no-doubt first-rounder. He can play all over the field and he could have an immediate impact on defense just like Landon Collins did coming out. I love him. I think he’s a winner.”
Jamal Adams is receiving the attention he deserves. On draft night, look for him to get selected early in the 1st round (6th overall) to the New York Jets. The Jets are without a solid strong safety and Jamal Adams would make an immediate impact on that defense.
Player Comparison: Brian Dawkins
Leonard Fournette – RB
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 240 lbs.
Although his final collegiate season did not go as planned, Leonard Fournette will be a force in the National Football League. He is an incredibly intriguing prospect as he has the size and definition of a linebacker and the speed of a cornerback. Wimpy tacklers bounce right off his thick thighs. He has a chance to wreak havoc in the NFL.
Leonard Fournette is going to tear apart NFL defenses… pic.twitter.com/GTTwthnVxZ
— Insane Athletes (@Insane_Athletes) April 4, 2017
Fournette possesses qualities that very few other running backs have. The combination of his size and speed, with how much force he creates at the point of attack, is rare. He also runs with insanely fluid hips.
One NFC Director of Scouting told NFL.com,
“I can’t wait to see how the draft guys pick at Fournette and tell everyone what he doesn’t do right. He was healthy last year and that is what you are going to get. Big, fast and dominant.”
Leonard Fournette will be selected early in the 1st round (8th overall) by the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have many holes on their roster that need to be filled, but this would solidify the running back position for years to come.
Player Comparison: Earl Campbell
Tre’Davious White – CB
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 192 lbs.
Tre’Davious White wore the desired #18 jersey for the LSU Tigers. For those of you who do not know what that entails, the #18 jersey, at LSU, is only worn by the player that exudes success and exemplifies a selfless attitude on and off the field.
White can flourish both on an island and in the slot. As a player, he saw tremendous improvement from 2015 to 2016.
LSU CB Tre’Davious White isn’t getting as much love as he should be in this deep class. “16 tape was much better than ’15. pic.twitter.com/dDQU6GdDOd
— J.R. (@JReidDraftScout) March 24, 2017
Tre’Davious White currently my #2 CB, great recognition and break on ball here. Then has the speed to take it home pic.twitter.com/LsmLxhjlIv
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) February 22, 2017
Not to mention, he is pretty quick.
.@LSUfootball CB Tre’Davious White: 4.47 40-yard dash. pic.twitter.com/07ODkY4ZnA
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 6, 2017
Tre’Davious White will likely be selected early in the 2nd round (33rd overall) by the Cleveland Browns. White would bolster a defense that needs help at many positions. By drafting Myles Garrett (1st overall) and Tre’Davious White (33rd overall), the Browns are heading in the right direction defensively.
Player Comparison: Casey Hayward
The Other Tigers
Duke Riley (OLB) – Late 2nd round (61st overall) – Green Bay Packers.
Ethan Pocic (C) – Mid 3rd round (86th overall) – Minnesota Vikings.
Malachi Dupre (WR) –Early 4th round (113th overall) – Los Angeles Chargers
Kendall Beckwith (OLB) – Mid 4th round (115th overall) – Carolina Panthers.
Davon Godchaux (DT) – Late 4th round (137th overall) – New England Patriots.
Travin Dural (WR) – Late 6th round (206th overall) – Miami Dolphins.
Tashawn Bower (OLB) – Early 7th round (230th overall) – Philadelphia Eagles.
Lewis Neal (DE) – Late 7th round (250th overall) – Detroit Lions.
Dwayne Thomas (CB) – Undrafted.
Colin Jeter (TE) – Undrafted.
Josh Boutte (OG) – Undrafted.
