Latest NFL Network mock draft has Justin Jefferson staying close to home

LSU football’s Justin Jefferson is forgoing his final season of eligibility to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

LSU football wide receiver won’t be playing in Baton Rouge in 2020, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be in the state of Louisiana.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah published his latest mock draft on Tuesday and he has the New Orleans Saints taking the supremely talented wide receiver with the No. 24 overall selection.

Here’s what Jeremiah said about the selection:

"Jefferson is very precise as a route runner, and I love his toughness. He’ll fit perfectly next to Michael Thomas."

Jefferson, a native of Destrehan, LA, put up some ridiculous numbers in 2019 at LSU. He caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. That type of production in the SEC is elite.

The Saints could absolutely use another wide receiver across from Michael Thomas.

In 2019, Thomas put up some eye popping numbers, catching 149 passes for 1,725 yards. But no other wide receiver on the team had more than 30 receptions. The next biggest threats in the passing game were running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Jared Cook.

Jefferson would fit in well as a player who can move the chains and be an elite option in the red zone (his 6-foot-3 height is ideal for a NFL wide receiver).

I think Jefferson has the potential to be one of the top wide receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Production at the collegiate level — especially in the SEC — is the best indicator of future success.

Jefferson already proved he can be productive on the biggest stage in college football. I have no doubt he can do it in the NFL.

If the Saints are able to snag him with the No. 24 overall selection, I think they’ll be getting a hell of a steal.