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NFLSU: The 10 biggest LSU Tigers NFL Draft busts

By John Fye

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct. 20, 2007; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Ali Highsmith (7) and defensive end Tyson Jackson (93) celebrate a sack during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU beat Auburn 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 20, 2007; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Ali Highsmith (7) and defensive end Tyson Jackson (93) celebrate a sack during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU beat Auburn 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 – Tyson Jackson, DE

Selected 3rd overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft

Kansas City Chiefs fans must fear drafting LSU Tigers alums in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. Their 2008 1st round pick in Glenn Dorsey busted, as did their 2009 top choice in Tyson Jackson. The Chiefs drafted Jackson 3rd overall, a position that aligns with a future NFL superstar.

However, Jackson was everything but a superstar during his NFL tenure.

Jackson did not have Dorsey’s collegiate accolades, but he was a two-time All-SEC Second Team selection and a member of LSU’s 2007 title-winning team. His senior season was exceptional and featured 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and seven quarterback pressures.

The Chiefs drafted Jackson after Todd Haley’s hire and a planned change to the 3-4 defensive scheme. However, Jackson was exclusively a 4-3 defensive end with the LSU Tigers and (what we know now as) a poor fit for the 3-4. Moreover, many draft analysts believed Jackson’s potential aligned more with a late-1st round pick.

Kansas City was desperate for a pass-rusher and reached on Jackson. The move blew up in their faces. The LSU Tigers alum accumulated nine sacks in five seasons with the Chiefs. He moved to the Atlanta Falcons in 2014 and was relegated to a depth role by his final NFL season in 2016.

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