Perfect draft destination for LSU football WR who impressed at Pro-Day

LSU football’s Derrick Dillon was impressive at Baton Rouge’s Pro-Day on Wednesday.

LSU football’s Justin Jefferson is the Tigers wide receiver garnering the most attention ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, but Derrick Dillon left an impression on scouts during Wednesday’s makeshift Pro-Day in Baton Rouge.

Dillon, a former four-star recruit from Franklinton, LA, ran a 4.29 in the 40 yard dash on Wednesday.

The former LSU wide receiver posted a video of his run to his Twitter account on Friday morning.

Dillon didn’t put up big numbers during his career at LSU, catching only 51 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns during his four years (plus a redshirt year) in Baton Rouge.

But if anyone is doubting that Dillon’s fast 40 time was legit, he’s proved he has some wheels before.

Dillon showed off his speed on a 49 yard touchdown from Joe Burrow in the 2018 Fiesta Bowl.

There was also a 37 yard touchdown from Burrow this past season.

And a 71 yard touchdown in 2018 (also from Burrow).

I think it’s safe to say that Dillon is a legitimate deep threat. And if he hadn’t been on a team with Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall and Thaddeus Moss, he might’ve put up better numbers.

Dillon will likely get overlooked in the 2020 NFL Draft because he didn’t have gaudy numbers at LSU (he wasn’t even invited to the combine). But whoever drafts him will be getting a bargain. Dillon has the ability to stretch the field and enhance an offense’s vertical game.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Carolina Panthers, who hired former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady to be their new offensive coordinator this offseason, takes a chance on Dillon in the draft.

Brady knows what kind of skills Dillon possesses. He saw his speed first hand in 2019 (even if it was mostly in practice). Brady knows how to use the speedy wide receiver. Carolina could take a late round flier on Dillon, which could result in a huge payoff.

I expect the Panthers to be in on several former Tigers because of the presence of Brady. And Dillon should absolutely be among the players Carolina seriously considers drafting.

You can’t teach elite speed, and it’s clear that Dillon is an elite speedster.

I’m sure new Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater would love to have that kind of speed on the field.