The LSU Tigers 2021 draft eligible players will all hear their names called over the weekend. As the NFL Draft gets kicked off on Thursday, there are six players heading to the next level. While LSU had a down year in 2020, most of these players were on the field. The two exceptions are Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. Chase opted out before the season started. Marshall played most of the season before deciding to prepare for the draft.
In the 2020 draft, LSU had numerous first round selections. The program was just coming off its fourth National Championship in school history while displaying one of the best offenses of all time. But last season was different. Headed into 2021, the Tigers bring back nearly everyone from the 2020 season, with the exception of the players leaving for the NFL.
LSU Tigers 2021 Draft Projections
First Round Selections
Chase and Marshall Jr. will likely both be first round selections. Chase is projected by some to go in the top five. At LSU, he finished with a total of 107 receptions for 2,093 yards and 23 touchdowns. In 2019, he won the Biletnikoff Award after recording 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 scores. There are a multitude of teams that could use his ability on the outside. Could he be reunited with Joe Burrow in Cincinnati? The Miami Dolphins are another team that could also use a standout receiver.
Projection: Round 1, Pick 5 (Cincinnati Bengals)
As for Marshall Jr., he finished his LSU career with 106 receptions for 1,594 yards and 23 touchdowns. While Marshall is projected as a first round pick, he will likely go mid-to-late round.
Projection: Round 1, Pick 31 (Baltimore Ravens)
Mid To Late Round Selections
Jabril Cox only spent one season at LSU as a grad transfer from North Dakota State. But early and often, Cox made his presence known on the field. He quickly became one of the top defensive players on the team. In 2020, he had 58 total tackles with five passes defensed, three interceptions and one sack. He could be a steal in the mid-round range.
Projection: Round 2, Pick 46 (New England Patriots)
Tyler Shelvin was a sensational force on the Tigers’ defensive line. He had a total of 48 tackles, two passes defensed and one-and-a-half sacks for his career. His numbers were better in tackling than in sacks, but his presence was still felt by opposing offensive lineman.
Projection: Round 4, Pick 114 (Denver Broncos)
Kary Vincent Jr. became one of the best LSU secondary players over the course of his career. He had a total of 88 tackles, 16 passes defensed, one sack and six interceptions from 2017-2019. Vincent sat out the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft.
His choice to sit out may hurt his stock, but Vincent will certainly be a mid-round selection.
Projection: Round 5, Pick 158 (Houston Texans)
Late Round Selections
JaCoby Stevens left a stellar mark on the LSU program. The safety finished with 190 career tackles, 15 passes defensed, 9.5 sacks and four interceptions. While Stevens may not be a high round pick, the later rounds are where star players are found. Stevens could end up being a great secondary player at the next level.
Projection: Round 7, Pick 230 (San Francisco 49ers)
Racey McMath doesn’t have stellar career numbers at LSU. He only recorded 33 career receptions for 522 yards and four touchdowns. But when he was on the field, McMath made an impact with every pass he caught.
He could be a diamond in the rough for whichever NFL team selects him. Some mock drafts don’t have him listed, but he has seventh round talent.
Projection: Round 7, Pick 232 (Tennessee Titans)
