LSU Tigers Sending About as Many to 2013 NFL Draft as Any Program


Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers are literally about to flood the 2013 NFL draft with prospects. Les Miles can be absolutely crazy when it comes to trick play and fourth-quarter decisions, but one thing that remains predictable year after year is Miles building a pipeline to the pros.

However, this isn’t projected to be LSU’s greatest year for specifically first-round talent. Outside of Barkevious Mingo, there seems to be no sure bets for day one of the draft.

But let’s talk about Mingo: As edge rushers become increasingly critical in a pass-happy league, he will inspire plenty of interest high in the first round. Mingo played defensive end and will probably have to adapt as an outside linebacker at the pro level, but once he does the sky’s the limit with his speed, bend around the edge and length. Defensive end Sam Montgomery does possess a decent chance of landing in round one as well.

Linebacker Kevin Minter and safety Eric Reid both have decent shots of landing somewhere on day two of the draft. Reid seemed to regress in 2012 without cornerback Morris Claiborne and dismissed safety Tyrann Mathieu, who entered this year’s draft. Elsewhere on LSU’s stacked 2012 defensive unit, tackle Bennie Logan, defensive end Lavar Edwards and cornerback Tharold Simon will take a crack at the draft.

Although LSU spread out its carries — although Jeremy Hill and Kenny Hilliard toted the rock most on the time — Michael Ford and Spencer Ware played an important role in the backfield. The two will try their luck in the draft, though it’s hard to say they’re more than late-round prospects. Wide receiver Russell Shepard, tackle Chris Faulk and center J.P. Lonergan comprise more LSU draft hopefuls on offense.

Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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