2014 NFL Draft: Who fills holes at LSU after early entries?
Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the exterior of Radio City Music Hall before the 2013 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The LSU Tigers didn’t see quite as many underclassmen declare themselves for the 2014 NFL Draft as in 2013 when 11 players left school with eligibility remaining, but seven have moved on to the next level and their absence looms large.
In addition to replacing seniors like Zach Mettenberger, Lamin Barrow and Craig Loston, Les Miles and the Tigers will see their depth tested once again. While losing some players didn’t come as a surprise after the standout junior seasons for some, it also doesn’t mean the sting is any less.
Here are the underclassmen LSU needs to replace:
- Running backs Jeremy Hill and Alfred Blue
- Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr.and Jarvis Landry
- Offensive guard Trai Turner
- Defensive tackles Anthony Johnson and Ego Ferguson
Some players may be replaced in a ‘strength-in-numbers’ approach while others will have one player become entrenched in the position and lock it down for the long-term.
Let us take a look at the candidates to replace the seven players leaving LSU and their expectations for the 2014 season.