NOTEBOOK: LSU’s 2023 NFL draft hopefuls

The most LSU players ever selected in a single NFL Draft occurred in the 2020 draft when 14 Tigers heard their names called. In the most recent draft, 10 former Tigers were picked.

This year, 16 former LSU players could land in an NFL camp in some way, shape or form. Here is some info on the Purple & Gold hopefuls, scouting notebook-style.

-DE B.J. Ojulari (6-2, 252) runs a 4.59, 33.5″ vertical jump and a 10’6″ standing long jump. He is projected to go in round 2. He tallied 21 sacks during his time in Tigertown with 128 QB pressures and 78 hurries in 34 contests. He is a very fluid pass rusher with a high IQ,. His brother, Azeez was grabbed by the Giants in the 2nd round of the ’20 draft. He explodes off the edge and can bend the corner. Very instinctive , he is athletic enough to drop in coverage. Has good toughness against the run. Team captain.

-DT Jaquelin Roy (6-4, 297) 5.13, had 30 reps on the 225 lbs. bench press test. Likely 3rd-4th round pick. Previous LSU defensive linemen Rashard Lawrence (2020), Tyler Shelvin (2021) and Neil Farrell (2022) all went in the 4th round. He had 97 stops and 13.5 TFL is 35 games, but just one season as a starter (2022). University Lab High School product can play NT or 3 tech. He lost about 20 to 25 lbs. which helps his quickness and conditioning. Relentless, super motor, he rarely needs a break during a game. Gets his hands up to swat away passes. Good burst off snap, weight room strong.

-WR Kayshon Boutte (5-11, 197) 4.5, 3rd round pick. A leg injury in 2021 hurt his stock. In 2020, he set an LSU mark, catching 14 passes for 308 yards and 3 TD’s vs. Ole Miss. The Westgate High School product played in 27 games at LSU , with 131 catches, 1,782 yards and 16 TD’s. Last season he had 48 grabs for 538 yards and 3 scores. Good hands, balance, cutting ability, can play in the slot or outside, shows some toughness, a savvy receiver, will attack the ball. Gifted receiver.

-OL Anthony Bradford (6-4, 337) 5th round, 5.08, The native of Muskegon, Michigan bench presses over 500 pounds. Played in 22 games with Tigers allowing only 5 sacks and 11 hurries. Has dropped 25 to 30 lbs. Did 34 reps on bench press test. Good in zone blocking scheme, plays with a nasty attitude, plays snap to whistle, good leverage, lots of physicality.

-CB Mekhi Garner (6-2, 211) 4.55, 38″ vertical, 10’8″ standing long jump. 5th round projection. Transferred to LSU from ULL. 13 starts at LSU (2022), 19 starts for Ragin Cajuns. Recorded 104 tackles, 3 interceptions. The Patriots, Rams and Falcons have shown interest. Good frame, strong hands, physical, good break on the ball, good run support.

-WR Jaray Jenkins (6-2, 203) 4.49, 9’8″ Long jump. Likely UDFA. Had 89 catches for 1,370 yards and 14 TD’s for career. Against Texas A&M (2021) snared 8 passes for 169 yards, including the game-winning touchdown from QB Max Johnson in final seconds. Prepped at Jena High School. Creates separation,good catch and run skills, violent runner after catch, surprising speed in open, strong hands, brings the ball to his body quickly. Inconsistent high pointing ball, needs to get better separation.

-DE Ali Gaye (6-6, 263) 4.69, Late 3rd day pick. In 27 games recorded 9 sacks, 76 pressures and 55 QB hurries. Long arms, excellent run defender, quickness off the snap, powerful lower body, knee bender, can drive blocker back, instinctive, locates ball quickly.

-LB Micah Baskerville (6-1, 224) 4.75, late 3rd day pick. 35.5″ vertical. Former Evangel Christian product. had 12 stops against Texas A&m. In 49 games he has 260 tackles and 4 sacks. Natural in pass coverage, can cover TE, fluid who reads and accelerates. Can run inside stunts.

-LB Mike Jones (6-0, 230) 4.7. in 44 games, managed 23 pressures, 15 hurries and a sack. 6th-7th round grade.
Transfer from Clemson after three seasons spent two years at LSU. Lots based on potential. Recovery speed, quick recognition, lines up at Will LB. Speed sideline to sideline. No false steps. Can blitz. Capable of making big plays.

-CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (6-1, 205) 4.4, 42″ vertical, 10′ 6″ Long jump. Played at Evangel Christian with Micah Baskerville. 9 starts at LSU, 47 consecutive starts at Oklahoma State. 241 career tackles w/5 sacks and 4 interceptions. Had 14 stops against Texas Tech in 2018. Flips hips, tracks the ball, good in backpedal. aggressive, can play in press coverage. Late 3rd day choice.

-NB/CB Jay Ward (6’1, 189) 4.55, 11’1″ Long jump. 35″ vertical. Late 3rd day pick grade. Made 23 starts for Tigers, 164 tackles, 3.5 TFL and 6 interceptions. Can challenge 50/50 catches, fluid change of direction, has a knack for making key play. Versatile and fearless. Good in run support.

-CB Sevyn Banks (6-1, 202) 4.41, transfer to LSU from Ohio State in 2022. Made 14 starts for Buckeyes. Hurt all of 2022. 7th round pick. Brother , Marcel, plays in the NFL. Great angle to the ball, ball skills, quick feet,, physical in run support, covers the slot. Not fluid out of backpedal, hesitant in zone coverage.

-OL Tremond Shorts (6-4, 326) 5.20, 14 games at LSU , no starts. Transfer from East Tennessee State where he had 41 starts, twice All Conference and 2nd team FCS All American. 23 reps on 225 lbs. bench press. Undrafted prospect.

-DB Joe Foucha (6-0, 198) 4.55. Transfer from Arkansas who played 44 games with Razorbacks, 14 with Tigers. 266 career tackles, 5 interceptions. Prepped at McDonogh 35 where he earned 4A All State in 2018. Tremendous ball skills, good body control, physical tackler, 11 tackles against Ole Miss (2021). Undrafted projection.

-CB Colby Richardson (6-1, 186) 4.48, 10’2″ long jump. Transfer from McNeese to LSU 2022. Prepped at McMain High School where he was a 4 year starter for the Mustangs. Also ran track. 28 starts at McNeese, 5 starts for Tigers.Undrafted, free agent.

-DB Todd Harris (6-0, 200) 4.68, undrafted free agent. 48 games, 6 starts at LSU. 9’11” standing long jump. Good quickness, ball skills, change of direction. Plaquemine High School alum, Academic Honor Roll. Was #3 rated prospect in La. in 2017. Had 12 tackles vs. Alabama in 2018. Undrafted free agent.