3 late-round NFL Draft stars from LSU
The LSU Tigers had a top-heavy 2024 NFL draft, with three players in the first 23 picks. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers were drafted with the first six selections, while wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. went 23rd.
But the big-name Tigers aren't the only important players from the draft class. The remaining three LSU draftees, all chosen later, could end up being important NFL players as well. Here's a closer look at them.
Late-round drafted players from LSU
#1 Maason Smith, DT, Jaguars
Admittedly, Smith's second-round selection isn't really a late pick, but it's certainly later than the LSU stars atop the draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars grabbed the outstanding defensive tackle in the second round with the draft's 48th pick. The Jaguars may have gotten a steal.
Smith was one of the top recruits in the nation in the 2021 high school class. A Louisiana product, he was a freshman All-American but then missed virtually the entire 2022 season due to a torn ACL in his left knee. Smith returned in 2023 and posted 28 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss.
The complaint against Smith was a lack of on-field production. He had just 47 tackles in college. But at nearly 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, his 5.0-second 40-yard dash shows his burst. The Jaguars play in a division with Anthony Richardson, Will Levis and C.J. Stroud. Getting a big body to punish opposing QBs was a wise move. If Smith can stay healthy, he'll get the opportunity to star in Jacksonville.
#2 Jordan Jefferson, DT, Jaguars
Lo and behold, choosing an LSU defensive tackle situation appealed to the Jaguars. They turned around and chose Jefferson on Saturday, taking him in the fourth round with the 116th overall pick.
Jefferson transferred to LSU after four seasons at West Virginia. He was a part-time starter in his year at LSU, posting 36 tackles and seven tackles for loss. Jefferson is stockier than Smith, at just over 6-foot-2 and 316 pounds. His speed isn't quite as top-end, being closer to 5.1 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Jefferson could well end up subbing for Smith in the NFL. Both are more explosive-type tackles than run-stuffing ones. Again, as discussed above, given Jacksonville's divisional rivals, the Jags are probably wise to go after disruptive defensive tackles. Jefferson is probably more developed than Smith, but has a lower ceiling. Still, he's a credible rotation player in Jacksonville.
#3 Mekhi Wingo, DT, Lions
Another defensive tackle from LSU? The Detroit Lions nabbed Wingo in the sixth round of the draft with the 189th overall pick. More than Smith or Jefferson, Wingo is a smallish tackle who will have to impress with speed and burst. He was highly regarded for that burst, and the Lions may have gotten a steal by grabbing him so late in the draft.
Wingo transferred in from Missouri, where he was an All-Freshman SEC pick in 2021. He had an impressive 2022 season, with 46 tackles and six tackles for loss. He was a captain in 2023, but missed five games due to a groin injury.
Wingo still had 4.5 sacks while playing in just eight matchups last season. He's barely 6-feet tall and weighs under 290 pounds, but runs a 40-yard dash in 4.85 seconds. Wingo is compact enough that he could rush off the edge in passing situations, which the Lions might exploit.
Alim McNeill is the likely Lions starter at tackle, but Wingo could well stick as a second-stringer for the Lions. Given the rotational nature of defensive line play, Wingo could set up a legitimate shot in 2024. That's unusual for sixth-round picks, but then Wingo is faster and higher-rated than most.
Which late-picked Tigers will star in the NFL in 2024? Weigh in with your thoughts below in our comments section!