Things haven’t been the same after the LSU Tigers’ dominant run in 2019 on the back of so much ridiculous NFL talent that they’ll write books about it someday. Ed Orgeron was relieved of his duties just two seasons later. But former Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly stepped in and did a nice job of righting the ship in 2022. The team finished 10-4, and they are returning some legitimate NFL Draft prospects for the 2023 season.
LSU Tigers Roster and Depth Chart Changes
The Tigers saw six of their players from a season ago get drafted, while another six ended up being signed as undrafted free agents hoping to make a roster somewhere. LSU added seven transfers in the offseason, along with a consensus top-10 recruiting class.
But one of the most significant additions will be getting a healthy Maason Smith back. He played in just eight snaps a season ago before injuring himself during a sack celebration in Week 1. Although he’s only a redshirt sophomore, Smith could end up as one of the top picks in the NFL Draft.
LSU Tigers NFL Draft Prospects
Maason Smith, DT
Let’s start there. Smith is an unbelievably imposing player on the field. When he’s not completely relaxing his midsection or standing near another regular human being (teammate or opponent), one might mistakenly think that he’s a long linebacker or a tight end.
Smith holds very little body fat despite possessing outstanding density. He has all the length, power, and explosiveness of a top-five pick.
Malik Nabers, WR
The best tape of the potential upcoming class happened between Kool-Aid McKinstry and Malik Nabers. Nabers wasn’t about to back down against a highly-touted cornerback, and the intensity and violence he brought against Alabama was a sight to behold.
Nabers’ physicality shined that day, but he has the body control and route-running chops to be a reliable separator at the next level if he continues to progress.
Jayden Daniels, QB
There have been many a “Slim Reaper” over the past few years. As the game becomes smaller and quicker, the DeVonta Smiths of the world not only survive but thrive. But Jayden Daniels and Smith broke out at the same time in 2019, but the former Arizona State QB may have beaten Smith to the nickname.
Daniels has bulked up a bit since then, but he hasn’t lost any of the athleticism that makes him a threat on the ground, and he still has an effortlessly fluid arm. But Daniels needs to remain more mechanically sound when moving off his spot in the pocket.
Chris Hilton Jr., WR
Although Chris Hilton Jr. hasn’t seen a ton of action yet for LSU, anybody with his combination of size, fluidity, and “holy crap” speed deserves a bit of preseason recognition.
Hilton has a very long way to go before he cracks draft boards because of his inexperience, but if he can provide a field-stretching element and show improved consistency with his hands, he could be a quick riser.
Omar Speights, LB
Seeing Omar Speights away from the West Coast against SEC competition will be fascinating to track. If he shows the willingness to play physically on the interior as a run defender, Speights could find himself competing for a starting spot in the NFL in the not-so-distant future. He flashes impressive coverage skills and should be a nice addition to the middle of the Tigers’ defense.
Other Notable Names
- Darian Chestnut, CB
- Sage Ryan, S
- JK Johnson, CB
- Mekhi Wingo, DT
- Paris Shand, DT
- Major Burns, S
- Miles Frazier, G
- Zy Alexander, CB
LSU Tigers Schedule
- Week 1
Sept. 3 at Florida State Seminoles - Week 2
Sept. 9 vs. Grambling Tigers - Week 3
Sept. 16 at Mississippi State Bulldogs - Week 4
Sept. 23 vs. Arkansas Razorbacks - Week 5
Sept. 30 at Ole Miss Rebels - Week 6
Oct. 7 at Missouri Tigers - Week 7
Oct. 14 vs. Auburn Tigers - Week 8
Oct. 21 vs. Army Golden Knights - Week 9
BYE - Week 10
Nov. 4 at Alabama Crimson Tide - Week 11
Nov. 11 vs. Florida Gators - Week 12
Nov. 18 vs. Georgia State Panthers - Week 13
Nov. 25 vs. Texas A&M Aggies - Week 14
BYE - Week 15
BYE