We are officially one month from the kickoff of the 2023 NFL Draft and LSU has several players that will hear their names called in the first two days of this year’s event in Kansas City, Missouri. The Tigers are coming off a successful 2022 season, where they were able to eclipse the 10-win mark for the first time since they won the national championship during the 2019 season. There are playmakers on both sides of the ball that have entered their names into this year’s draft class and they will get one last opportunity to show off their skills on LSU’s Pro Day (March 29th). There will be a lot of buzz on draft night in Baton Rouge as these are the top three names that Tiger fans should be watching heading into draft weekend:
BJ Ojulari, EDGE
BJ Ojulari has been projected to hear his name called at the start of the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. There is a lot to like with what Ojulari can bring to the next level as he has shown that he has high upside as a pass rusher that will help him see the field early in the NFL. Throughout his collegiate career, Ojulari was a versatile defender that can play either at the linebacker or defensive end position.
He would make an instant impact during his debut season for the purple and gold in 2020 as he recorded 16 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss. Ojulari would be named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against South Carolina. Against the Gamecocks, Ojulari racked up four tackles and three sacks on the day. The star edge rusher would show his ability to explode off the ball and be very disruptive coming off the edge.
Ojulari continued to be a difference maker on LSU’s defense heading into his sophomore season as he led all defensive lineman with 55 tackles. He would also lead the Tigers in sacks with 7.0 and rank second on the team with 11.5 tackles for loss. Along with that, Ojulari added nine quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. In 2022, Ojulari recorded 58 total tackles (36 solo tackles), 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Jaquelin Roy, DT
Jaquelin Roy is coming off a very productive 2022 season as this was his first season as a full-time starter on LSU’s defense. Roy has been getting buzz around the league as he is coming in as third-round projection heading into this year’s draft. He was one of the top defensive lineman recruits in the Class of 2020 and Roy was able to excel throughout his career in Baton Rouge.
Roy, alongside Ojulari, stepped onto the scene at LSU during the 2020 season. The Baton Rouge native would appear in nine games for the Tigers in his freshman campaign. During the 2020 season, Roy recorded 18 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. His best game of the year would come against Florida where he racked up a pair of crucial sacks down the stretch.
He would be able to continue that momentum heading into his second season with the Tigers as he capped off his 2021 season with 30 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Roy would add a pair of fumbles and forced a fumble against McNeese. The star defensive tackle would have his best season yet with LSU in 2022 as he finished off the 2022 season with 49 total tackles (25 solo tackles), 0.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
Kayshon Boutte, WR
Kayshon Boutte had high expectations entering the 2022 as he was receiving preseason recognition. Boutte was coming off a 2021 season riddled with injuries that would cut his sophomore season short. He would announce after the 2022 season that he would be coming back for another year, but he retracted his statement just days after. Boutte saw struggles at the NFL Scouting Combine that has doubts about the talented wide receiver. With his poor performance in Indianapolis, Boutte currently projects as a fourth-round draft pick.
The New Iberia, Louisiana native didn’t waste any time making his mark during his first year at LSU as he led the Tigers in receiving yards (735) and finished second on the squad in receptions (45) and touchdowns (5). Boutte would explode in the regular season finale as he set the SEC record with 308 receiving yards on 14 receptions. After a successful freshman season, there were a lot of people believing that he can be the next great LSU wideout.
There was a lot to look forward to out of Boutte heading into his second season with the program, but he suffered an ankle injury against Kentucky that would effectively end his season. Even with the injury, Boutte led the Tigers in receiving yards (509) and touchdowns (9). There would be some question marks on whether Boutte would be the same after his injury heading into the 2022 season.
He wouldn’t have the 2022 season that was planned as he had 48 receptions for 538 yards and two touchdowns. Boutte was able to finish the season off strong against Georgia in the SEC Championship game. Against the Bulldogs, Boutte hauled in six receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
