LSU Tigers Top NFL Draft Prospects for 2013 and Beyond

The LSU Tigers come in as the number two team on our list in the pre-season top 25, and needless to say, they are absolutely loaded with great talent once again. One thing that could really put this team over the top is good quarterback play. Last year, it was shaky at best. According to reports, junior Zach Mettenberger was the star of Spring practices, and the 6’5″ youngster just might be what this team needs to get over the top and win the national  title.

8 Zach Mettenberger, Quarterback, Junior (RS)  6’5″ 222 pounds

Mettenberger started off his collegiate career at Georgia before transferring to a junior college in 2010, where he played a full season and led Butler (Kansas) Junior College to an 11-1 record and a shot at a national championship. He only completed just under 59 percent of his passes, but he was ranked the top JUCO prospect in the nation in 2010 and signed on with LSU for the 2011 season where he made his debut in five games. With the Tigers in 2011, Mettenberger completed 8-of-11 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Nothing to write home about, but after Spring practices, the LSU fan base is buzzing and talking about how good this kid is. He certainly has the size you look for in an NFL quarterback, but he’s pretty inexperienced and this is already his fourth year in college (2009 graduate of HS). He could wind up being an older rookie, but if he has a breakout season in 2012, don’t be surprised to see him bolt for the NFL, especially if LSU wins a national title this year. He certainly has enough help around him to be able to do so. I was able to dig up a scouting report from ESPN’s recruiting services of Mettenberger when he was coming out of JUCO in 2010. Here’s the full report:

Mettenberger is an ideal pocket passer, with outstanding measurables, arm strength and poise. He resembles Eli Manning in stature and fundamentals. Has everything a college program seeks in a young quarterback: size, athleticism, arm strength and very good overall intangibles. His mechanics, for the most part, are solid. Seems to have a feel for the game and is cool under pressure. Has a nice, high release and shows good quickness in his drops. He’s a good ball handler who carries out play fakes well. Shows elite velocity on throws to the perimeter, nice touch and accuracy on short and intermediate passes. Can throw an excellent deep ball, but hasn’t done so consistently. Shows great patience in the pocket, allowing his receivers to work themselves into the open. Has the toughness to take a hit on a play that is late to develop. Keeps his eyes downfield when rushed and can buy himself second chances. He’s calm when facing the blitz and has enough movement skills to slide in the pocket and avoid some contact to get the ball off. But he isn’t a scrambler and won’t make many plays with his legs. Shows decent athleticism, but needs to play in a pro-style passing game (with a good dose of play-action) to flourish. His timing, rhythm and balance off the dropback are the traits that bring out his accuracy, arm strength and productivity. Mettenberger has pocket-passer size and the biggest arm and best ball revolutions in his class. He’s one of this year’s best passers and an excellent overall prospect.

11 Spencer Ware, Running Back, Junior  5’11” 223 pounds

Ware is a back that is going to make his living in the NFL as a between the tackles type of runner. He has decent quickness to the outside, but that’s not really where his game is. In LSU’s running back by committee style offense, Ware is probably one of the best power backs and he is the guy they use a lot in goal line and short yardage situations. He’s not extremely speedy or quick but he does hit the hole hard and he’s very decisive. One thing to pay attention to is the fact that the team suspended him last year for violating some rules, along with a couple of other players. Really an explosive player who knows how to get low and really absorb the first hit. Doesn’t usually go down on initial contact. Hasn’t shown much in terms of catching passes (21 career receptions) but he’s gotten better in that area. He will probably be a mid-late round pick unless he blows up this year, as he simply won’t have enough carries to blow scouts away and hasn’t shown great versatility as a runner. Seems more like a powerful back who has a nose for the end zone, and you always have room for one of those on your team.

4 Alfred Blue, Running Back, Junior  6’1″ 215 pounds

Just in terms of measurables, Alfred Blue probably has the most intriguing size of all the LSU backs. Blue only had 539 yards rushing last year, but he averaged nearly seven yards per carry, and hit paydirt seven times. Blue really stepped up big time for the Tigers in a couple of the final games of last season, running for 119, 74, and 94 yards in games against Western Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Georgia. The Tigers would be well off if they started using this kid more. He has a ton of ability and power, though I’m not sure the straight-line speed is there yet. I am eager to see more of this guy because he has a really intriguing set of tools, specifically his size.

42 Michael Ford, Running Back, Junior (RS)  5’10” 215 pounds

Ford may be the best overall back in LSU’s talented stable. He has really good size, but his speed is killer. He was LSU’s leading rusher in 2011 with 756 yards and seven touchdowns, and they used him quite a bit when they brought in Jordan Jefferson for the option. That might not be part of their offense this year as much if Zach Mettenberger can step up and be a top notch QB, but one thing is for sure–LSU will get Ford chances, specifically in open space. He has really great quickness and vision after he gets the ball, but one area where you’d like to see him get better is in the passing game, where he only had four receptions in 2011. I’m really intrigued by his size/speed combination and I think he could turn out to be the best of the bunch in the NFL.

10 Russell Shepard, Wide Receiver, Senior  6’0″ 185 pounds

Suspended for the first three games of the 2011 season by the NCAA. Versatile player who came to LSU as one of the top rated dual threat quarterbacks coming out of high school, and played mainly running back and quarterback in his first two seasons at LSU. Switched to wide receiver in 2010 and actually had a decent year there, catching 33 balls with just one touchdown. In LSU’s offense last year, passing wasn’t exactly featured so Shepard only caught 14 passes, but four went for touchdowns. He has phenomenal speed and quickness, and is a sick athlete. IF he can keep his head on straight, he should be one of the best players on the team this year and should be a third or fourth round pick in the draft based on his raw talent alone. I’m not so sure that’s going to happen, and as of right now, he’d probably rate as a late round pick or priority free agent who has athletic upside but no proven abilities at any true position.

88 Chase Clement, Tight End, Senior  6’5″ 252 pounds

Really raw tight end prospect who has upside as a receiver but is more of just an “Athlete” at this point. Converted from defensive end where he spent the first year of his college career before climbing up the depth chart last season. This will be his third year at the tight end position, and if he can step up his game, he might get drafted in the mid-late rounds. The upside is certainly there. He was a four-star prospect coming out of high school, where he also played tight end and defensive end.

76 Chris Faulk, Offensive Tackle, Junior  6’6″ 325 pounds

Massive offensive tackle prospect who is regarded as one of the best at his position in the country. He will be a pre-season Lombardi Trophy watch-list player and will likely contend to be a first round pick if he decides to come out early. Most guys with his size are likely to transition to guard in the NFL, but he is developing and still pretty raw as a pass protector and should grow into a really good one. Punishing run blocker with great length and power. Engulfs smaller offensive linemen and it’s very hard for them to disengage from his length. He has the look of a potential first round pick, but he will need to continue to develop in the pass blocking department.

72 Alex Hurst, Offensive Tackle, Senior  6’6″ 340 pounds

Hurst is going to play right tackle in 2012, but he has upside at both guard or right tackle in the NFL. He is regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the SEC, and was named first-team all-conference in 2011. Obviously has excellent size and length, and is a really technically sound overall player. Going into his third straight year of starting at right tackle. Does a good job of getting set in his stance quickly, and has pretty nimble feet for a big man but could struggle against speedier rushers. Tendency to play high in the pass game but is a dominant run blocker who locks into his man and absolutely punishes him into the ground. Very aggressive offensive line prospect.

64 P.J. Lonergan, Center, Senior  6’4″ 305 pounds

Been a starter at center since he was a sophomore for one of the best running teams in the country. Very smart player who made the academic honor roll in 2009, and should wind up being a pretty good NFL center. He is likely a later round pick at this point because of previous injuries, but he’s a smart guy who makes the calls and will be a Rimington award watch list guy who could be one of the best centers in the country. Could potentially also play guard in the NFL.

99 Sam Montgomery, Defensive End, Junior  6’4″ 245 pounds

Montgomery has about as quick a first step as I have seen in quite some time. His numbers as a RS Sophomore back that up with 13 TFL and 9 sacks heading into the national championship game. He has insane athletic ability and great length, and he is still growing into his frame and has a ton of room to grow as a pass rusher as well. LSU’s defense is full of playmakers, but I think even individually this guy stands out as one of the best defensive players I’ve seen in college ball. He has elite upside and I think he should be a top five pre-season graded player by most outlets, and if he’s not, you might have to question why. He is relentless in his pursuit and has

a great motor, and he looks like he just flat out has fun playing the game. Motivated by the death of his brother, a life-changing event that can shape a man as an individual, something that teams will look into as well. Bottom line–this kid is a beast and he is going to have to do a lot to make me un-impressed next season. He is what baseball fans would call a “five-tool” player and I think he has the potential to be an elite NFL pass rusher.

49 Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End, Junior  6’4″ 240 pounds

Mingo is lightning quick off the ball, and it’s no surprise considering speed has always been the name of his game. He came into LSU measuring out at 6’5″ 209 pounds, which is unusually small for a DE, but over the last three years, he’s put on nearly 30 pounds and has the frame to add even more. This kid has the potential to be a freak pass rusher, and not unlike his teammate Sam Montgomery, I think he’s going to be an absolute stud at the next level. He has elite quickness and speed, and is relentless in pursuit. Really long athlete with great hands already, and a guy that potentially could play defensive end or linebacker at the next level. Has the frame to grow to 250-260 without losing much quickness at all. I have seen him track down LaMichael James from behind, which has to account for something. Already has a pretty solid arsenal of pass rush moves to get to the quarterback. 13.5 tackles for loss in 2011 prior to the national title game with seven sacks.

Gets in the backfield quicker than most guys I have seen, and reminds me a lot of Von Miller in that regard. Has obvious struggles with double teams, as he is not big enough yet to take them on on a consistent basis. This is a guy that I believe could be an elite pass rushing prospect at the NFL level as a DE or OLB. He has elite quickness and instincts, and is always in the backfield making plays. At this point, I consider him a top 10 talent without question in the 2013 class.

77 Josh Downs, Defensive Tackle, Senior  6’1″ 287 pounds

Smaller defensive tackle prospect who will get a chance to shine in 2012. LSU has two great pass rushers around him, and in his senior year, he has to capitalize. Only started one game in 2011 and had nine tackles all of last year. He’s going to need to have a solid year of production but the tools are certainly  there. An All-American in high school who played in the Under Armour all-star game, but has not lived up to the billing statistically. LSU’s defensive line rotation is incredibly deep, but some other sites have him rated as a top 10 senior defensive tackle. If he has a big year, he could be taken in the 2nd-4th round range.

93 Bennie Logan, Defensive Tackle, Junior  6’5″ 292 pounds

Entering his second season as a starting defensive tackle for the Tigers, after a year in which he totalled 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Good quickness and really good length. Phenomenal athletic ability and bulked up to 292 pounds as a sophomore. Has the ability to be dominant in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defensive scheme, but he really has the ideal size as a five technique in a 3-4 defense. Top notch pass rushing ability but still developing in terms of his ability as a run defender. Should be one of the combine “freaks” whenever he decides to come out, whether it’s this year or next year. Should be one of the top defensive tackles when he enters the draft.

7 Tyrann Mathieu, Cornerback, Junior  5’9″ 179 pounds

Need an indication of how good this guy is? Here are his accolades in TWO years of college ball at one of the best football schools in the country:

2011 Bednarik Award Recipient
2011 Heisman Memorial Trophy Finalist
2011 Walter Camp National Player of the Year Finalist
2011 First-Team All-American at Cornerback (AP, FWAA, Sporting News, Walter Camp, CBSsports.com, ESPN.com, FoxSportsNext.com, Rivals.com, SI.com)
2011 First-Team All-American at Return Specialist (CBSSports.com, Rivals.com, SI.com)
2011 National Defensive Player of the Year (FoxSportsNext.com, Rivals.com)
2011 Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year (AP)
2011 First-Team All-Southeastern Conference (AP, Coaches)
2011 SEC Championship Game Most Valuable Player
2011 Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week (at West Virginia, vs. Arkansas)
2011 SEC Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Oregon, vs. Arkansas)
2011 Rivals.com National and SEC Player of the Week (vs. Arkansas)
2011 Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week (vs. Oregon)
2011 Rivals.com SEC Player of the Week (vs. Oregon)
2011 Cotton Bowl Defensive Most Outstanding Player
2010 First Team Freshman All-America (Football Writers, Rivals.com)
2010 Freshman All-Southeastern Conference (Coaches)

This kid is flat out incredible. If he were blessed with the same size of Patrick Peterson, there might not be a question in anyone’s mind that he was the odds on favorite not just to be the first cornerback selected, but possibly the best player overall. For him to dominate like he has at his size so early in his career is remarkable. He’s going to have trouble adjusting to the NFL in terms of his size, but it’s the size of his heart that counts. This guy’s going to help your football team in so many ways, be it forcing turnovers, contributing on special teams, or taking interceptions and fumble recoveries back the other way for six. If he improves overall in his coverage in 2012, you can forget about questions–this kid should be a first round pick. He could get engulfed by bigger receivers, but he could be the best slot corner in the NFL, which is becoming one of the most important positions in the league. He can also contribute as an elite return specialist. His overall game reminds me of the late Darrent Williams, who was on his way to being a star with the Denver Broncos before he was tragically shot. The “Honey Badger” don’t care how big or small he is, he’s going to kick somebody’s butt on the field. Not afraid to speak his mind and definitely has a swagger about him. Got suspended last year for a game and needs to stay out of trouble. Could be extremely valuable as a blitzing defensive back, as well as covering slot receivers.

24 Tharold Simon, Cornerback, Junior  6’2″ 187 pounds

LSU is quickly becoming cornerback-U, and Simon has a chance to be the next great thing. Great size and length for a cornerback and will be able to hold up against bigger receivers. Very good cover corner who knocked down 10 passes with only two starts on the season. Should steadily develop into one of the best corners in the country over the course of the season. Reportedly runs in the 4.4 range and if he does that in the offseason, could well be a first round draft pick. Probably not the best known guy in the LSU defensive backfield, but could wind up being the best this season.

1 Eric Reid, Safety, Junior  6’2″ 208 pounds

Reid is a candidate to be an early entry into the NFL as a junior, possibly as the best free safety in the entire draft. Second team All-American and second team All-SEC athlete last year with 76 tackles, two interceptions, and three passes broken up. Also had two tackles behind the line and two fumbles forced. Just a dynamic playmaker who is projected to run in the 4.5 range, which is really good for a player of his size, but not great. Good athlete who is going to be the leader or quarterback of one of the best secondaries in college football. Does a very good job playing center field but is also good working upfield and playing the run. Has the ability to deliver a big hit across the middle.

6 Craig Loston, Safety, Junior  6’2″ 208 pounds

Almost identical size to his new partner in crime, Mr. Eric Reid. Loston is entering his first year starting for the Tigers, but it just might be his only one. He is incredibly gifted and has potential to wind up the best safety in the nation. He was an All-American and widely considered the best safety prospect coming out of high school, and he has a chance to shine on a star-studded defense in 2012. He might need more than one year before he is ready for the NFL, but get ready for this kid because he could be really, really good. Scary moment last year when he led with his head on a tackle against West Virginia and avoided permanent damage, but that is evidence of why the NFL has pretty much done away with kick returns. Only has 20 tackles and one interception in two years with limited action, but has potential to be dominant.