As we wait for an announcement from LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels on whether he’ll play in the bowl game, it’s obvious why he may skip out of the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Draft expert and WWL’s Mike Detillier projects Daniels as a likely top five pick.
“You know I felt since October he’ll be a first round pick and now, I think he’ll be among the top four picks, maybe as high as two,” said Detillier.
Detillier believes USC quarterback Caleb Johnson, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, will be the top overall pick.
But so much can change. The Chicago Bears are in position to have the number one overall pick, thanks to their trade with the Carolina Panthers last year.
But the Bears could deal the number one pick again this year, if they decide to keep Justin Fields. And if a team really likes Daniels, they could trade with Chicago to take Daniels with the top overall pick.
Daniels’ top two targets this season are also likely first round picks.
Detillier sees Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as the first wide receiver off the board in April, but LSU’s Malik Nabers will be the next receiver picked.
“Malik has really improved as a route runner and his quickness into and out of a cut and break and his ability to set up a defender, I think Malik Nabers is going to be a top ten pick,” said Detillier.
This year Nabers has 86 catches for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns. Brian Thomas Jr has 60 catches for 1,079 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Detillier says Thomas should get selected somewhere between the 18th and 22nd pick of the first round.
“He’s a different style wide out, he’s a big play athlete, not to say you couldn’t use him in the short area of the game, but that’s not how LSU used him, they used him to move the chains, get up the field, big plays,” said Detillier.
There’s been no announcement from Thomas or Nabers about whether they’ll play in the bowl game. Nabers has said he wants to play to set the all-time receiving yardage record at LSU. He trails Josh Reed by only 22 yards.
Nabers and Thomas also can return for another season at LSU, but that’s also unlikely.
LSU is looking into the transfer portal for a veteran receiver. One potential target is heading to Colorado. Vanderbilt’s Will Sheppard of Mandeville has committed to the Buffaloes.
Mississippi State’s Zavion Thomas is still available, but he’ll reportedly visit Auburn this weekend. Thomas caught 40 passes for 503 yards and one touchdown. He’s also from Louisiana and is a John Ehret grad. Thomas is also a good return man.