LSU football: Pair of veteran Tigers go viral during Senior Bowl practices

Senior Bowl practices have wrapped up, and all that waits is the game itself this Saturday afternoon on NFL Network. Such includes a pair of LSU football players vying for draft position upgrades in the marquee pre-draft contest.

Charles Turner III and Jordan Jefferson spent Tuesday through Thursday practicing with the Senior Bowl’s American Team. The team features draft-eligible players from the Atlantic Coast, Independent schools, and the Southern conferences, including Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas. 

Brian Kelly was one of many Senior Bowl practice observers this week. During their practice sessions, the LSU football head coach recently shared photos of himself with Turner and Jefferson.

The Senior Bowl is the first step in the pre-draft process for players like Turner and Jefferson to put themselves on NFL teams’ draft boards. Neither LSU football veteran is expected to hear their name called ahead of the 3rd round but demonstrated competency while operating in NFL offenses can improve their prospectus. It is also vital that both players interview well with NFL teams.

Indeed, a significant factor of the Senior Bowl is that it provides NFL teams with their first opportunity to meet with NFL Draft prospects. 

Another fun aspect of the game’s festivities is the skills competition, including lineman running receiver and defensive back drills. Yesterday, highlights of Charles Turner hitting “The Griddy” after catching a pass in the end zone circulated (X) Twitter. The center was also captured batting down a pass in a one-on-one drill against Arkansas’ Beau Limmer.

On Wednesday, a Jordan Jefferson circulated social media after a practice rep against UConn’s Christian Haynes got ugly. Jefferson drove his opponent several yards in the backfield and appeared frustrated that Haynes held his block long after the whistle. The LSU football defensive lineman retaliated by ripping off and tossing Haynes’ helmet.

Such an incident is on brand for the 2023 Tigers. Fans might recall that tempers flaring among LSU lineman during fall camp made headlines last August.

Regardless, several onlookers from the media in attendance have commented on Jefferson’s demonstrated power during Senior Bowl practices. As such, I think Jefferson is on the cusp of a pre-draft campaign that results in a night two draft selection. 

The Senior Bowl will kick off from Hancock-Whitney Stadium in Mobile, AL, this Saturday at noon CST. LSU football fans can watch the game on NFL Network