NFL Draft – 3 LSU Players Go in First Round
Football fans knew last year's offensive squad at LSU in Baton Rouge was something special. The Tigers' offense broke all kinds of records and earned a Heisman Trophy for quarterback Jayden Daniels. And while Daniels was as much of a guarantee as you can have in the NFL Draft there were questions about whether some of his Tiger firepower would also be chosen in the league's first thirty-two choices.
The NFL Loves LSU
Since 1936 some 326 players who played their collegiate football at LSU have gone on to play in the National Football League. That figure is based on data from the NFL which has been holding the "selection meeting" for the past 88 years or so. Notre Dame is the university that has sent the most athletes to the NFL. The Fighting Irish have sent 525 draft picks to the pros but no "Golden Domers" were selected in this year's first round.
With the first pick in the NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Good luck to the Bears. I don't recall USC quarterbacks having too much success in the NFL but maybe this guy will be the exception. It's kind of like a few years back when Evangel High School sent quarterbacks to LSU and none of them really worked out, did they?
What LSU Players Were Chosen in the First Round of the NFL Draft?
With the second choice overall in the NFL Draft the Washington Commanders selected LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels. The scouting report on Daniels is that he is an explosive runner with an accurate deep ball. He might have to rethink his running style in the NFL if he wants to survive without injury. But most pundits feel the Commanders have made a great choice.
The next Tiger taken in the NFL Draft first Round was Wide Reciever Malik Nabers. Nabers is a familiar face in South Louisiana. He played high school ball at Lafayette's Comeaux High School and Southside High. The scouting report on Nabers is that he has breakaway acceleration and will give the Commanders a legitimate deep threat. He was LSU's career leader in receiving yards and receptions.
The third LSU Tiger to be chosen in Round One was another member of that explosive Tiger offense from last year. At number 23 the Jacksonville Jaguars selected LSU Wide Receiver Brian Thomas. The scouting report on Thomas suggests he possesses elite top-end speed. He's bigger than Malik Nabers but not as accomplished in his route-running skills. Thomas led the Tigers and the nation in touchdown catches last year with 17.
Who Did the New Orleans Saints Select in Round One of the NFL Draft?
The New Orleans Saints with the 14th pick in round one of the NFL Draft opted for help on the offensive line. The Black and Gold selected Taliese Fuaga of Oregon State with their pick. The scouting report on Fuaga says he is a powerful run blocker who possesses great balance. Some pundits feel Fuaga's lack of "wingspan" might mean a position shift to guard along the O-line but so far the Saints have not suggested that is their plan.
The NFL Draft Continues Tonight with Rounds Two and Three
Television coverage of the NFL Draft will resume this evening at 7 p.m. Rounds two and three will be televised tonight. You can bet that there will be more LSU Tigers selected and other athletes from other schools with ties to Louisiana will hear their names called as well.
Former Ragin' Cajuns on 2023 NFL Rosters