Stock up for Bernard-Converse and Ojulari, down for Boutte at LSU Pro Day

At LSU Pro Day, all 32 NFL teams were represented, although the actual number of NFL personnel, scouts, coaches and executives were down from previous years.

LSU doesn’t have the marquee quarterback or running back it has had in previous years. The Tigers do have some intriguing stories though, both this year and beyond.

For starters, cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse helped himself with a massive 42-inch vertical leap with a 4.4 flat 40-yard dash.

There Goes Jarrick | 4.40 pic.twitter.com/qosdQtcMYw

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) March 29, 2023

Oh my @TheJBnard | 42" Vertical pic.twitter.com/VqLm3WIAnX

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) March 29, 2023

Bernard-Converse, the Shreveport native, likely moved up the draft board of many teams with his impressive showing.

The same cannot be said for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who needed to impress after a less-than-stellar NFL combine performance. Boutte did not run the 40 yard dash but the Westgate High alum did run a 4.5 in Indianapolis.

His chances of being a first day draftee seem remote. Once a projected first rounder, Boutte may not be selected on the second day either.

If there are any mock drafts that have him going to the Saints, I think you can just about disregard those. No one from the Saints said a word about Boutte, but I don’t think there was a buzz about him from team personnel either.

If the Saints do take a pass rusher, BJ Ojulari could be a possibility early in the second round.

Ojulari said he’s increased his weight to 252 pounds. The 6–foot-2 edge rusher was 248 at the Combine.

In the past, the Saints have shied from taking undersized edge rushers but Ojulari does fit the Saints desire for high character players. As he noted Wednesday, he was very proud of wearing the prestigious jersey #18 for the Tigers.

The Saints had a contingent of assistant coaches at the workouts, including new defensive coordinator Joe Woods, secondary coach Marcus Robertson, offensive line coach Doug Marrone and linebackers coach Michael Hodges.

Noting that these pre-draft workouts are critical, Hodge said he remembers being told by Jeff Ireland to go to the University of Idaho to watch the workout of linebacker Kaden Elliss.

Hodge came away impressed. He said he got a very nice text message after Elliss sign a lucrative three-year contract in free agency with the Atlanta Falcons.

I asked Hodges if there was ever a player that he scouted that he absolutely knew would be a very good one?

Hodges didn’t hesitate.

“Pete Werner,” said Hodges.

Werner was drafted by the Saints in the second round in 2021 at pick #60 overall.

“And he’s exceeded expectations,” said Hodges.

Among the more interesting moments during Pro Day in Baton Rouge was the on-field conversation between Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Jayden 🤝 Bill @JayD__5 ✖️@Patriots pic.twitter.com/2CxYveXFPD

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) March 29, 2023

A source within the program told me Daniels has gained weight and worked diligently on improving his passing.

If Daniels performs at high level in 2023, there will be a lot more NFL personnel at LSU Pro Day next March.