LSU did not have a single player taken in the first round of the NFL draft in 2023, but Thursday night they’ll have three players selected in the first round. It’s the first time they’ll have multiple first round picks since 2020.
That of course was the draft after the 2019 national championship season.
In the 2020 draft, a school record five players were taken in the first round: Joe Burrow. K’Lavon Chaisson, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Queen and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Burrow was the number one overall pick in the 2020 draft, fresh off a Heisman Trophy winning season. Jayden Daniels just won the Heisman Trophy, but he’ll likely be the second overall pick by the Washington Commanders. That’s because the Chicago Bears are expected to take the 2023 Heisman winner Caleb Williams.
Daniels went into the 2023 season looking like a Day 2 draft choice, but had a year no one saw coming.
“I think he processes information so quickly for secondary, third targets down field and he’s gotten so much better throwing the deep pass and most importantly he doesn’t take a lot of sacks,” said WWL draft analyst Mike Detillier, breaking down Daniels' improvement.
A stat I love about Daniels is that he threw 1,438 passes in college and just 20 interceptions.
LSU's star QB threw 14 touchdown passes to All-American wide receiver Malik Nabers last season, and Detillier expects Nabers to be a top six pick.
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“The Giants have a penchant for LSU wide receivers, I wouldn’t be surprised if New York is the landing spot for him,” Detillier said. “Certainly, the Titans is another team, If Malik is there, you have to give it a lot of consideration.”
Barring trades, the Giants pick No. 6 and the Titans No. 7.
Brian Thomas Junior had a breakout season in 2023 with 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. He had just 59 catches and seven touchdowns in his first two seasons at LSU.
Detillier anticipates Thomas could be selected anywhere from 15 to 25.
“He’s one heck of an athlete and I think he has a chance to be a good player in this league,” Detillier said.
Detillier says despite a disappointing season in 2023, he could see defensive tackle Maason Smith going late in the second round. Fellow defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo is another day two selection.