LSU football: Tracking which Tigers enter the 2023 NFL Draft
BATON ROUGE - LSU football had 10 players selected in last year's NFL Draft.
Only the national champion, Georgia, had more players selected. It's a strange fact, given that LSU went just 6-7 last season.
LSU, given its relative youth, likely won't have that many players selected this offseason when the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off on April 27. But the Tigers will likely be well-represented again.
Here's a look at which Tigers have entered their names into the 2023 NFL Draft.
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LSU football players in the 2023 NFL Draft
Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB - Bernard-Converse announced his intentions to enter the draft on Jan. 8. The Oklahoma State transfer was arguably the steadiest contributor to LSU's secondary this past season, typically starting at cornerback across from Mekhi Garner and occasionally filling in at safety. In his one season at LSU, Bernard-Converse played 657 snaps on defense and allowed just 26 receptions on 44 targets.
Anthony Bradford, OL - Bradford declared for the draft on Jan. 6 after starting at right guard for most of the 2022 season. He had started just five games in his first three seasons at LSU before starting in 12 this season.
Kayshon Boutte, WR - Boutte declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 28 after he announced he was returning to LSU earlier in the month. That same day, LSU coach Brian Kelly stated that Boutte wouldn't play in the Citrus Bowl but was enrolled at LSU for the spring semester. Heading into this season, Boutte was a projected first round pick and a preseason AP All-American.
Jaquelin Roy, DT - Roy declared for the draft on Dec. 20 after spending three seasons at LSU. He was a cornerstone of the Tigers' defensive line this past season, recording 27 pressures and 38 tackles in 676 snaps played, according to Pro Football Focus. This season was his first as a starter.
Mekhi Garner, CB - Garner officially announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft on Dec. 18. Garner was a key piece to LSU's secondary this season, allowing just 24 receptions while being targeted 54 times. He spent just one season with the Tigers after transferring in from UL last offseason.
Jaray Jenkins, WR - Jenkins announced his intention to enter the NFL Draft on Dec. 12. After five seasons with the Tigers, Jenkins hauled in 89 catches for 1,370 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was one of LSU's most consistent contributors this season with 27 receptions for 404 yards.
BJ Ojulari, DE - Ojualri announced his decision to enter the draft on Dec. 11. Ojulari had 5.5 sacks and 56 total tackles this season, as he was named to the SEC Coaches and AP first team All-SEC teams. He finishes his LSU career with 16.5 sacks and 128 total tackles in three seasons.
Jay Ward, DB - Ward announced his intention to enter the draft on Dec. 7. The senior and starter had been one of LSU's most versatile pieces in the secondary, playing cornerback, nickelback and safety. Ward told WAFB that he will play in the Tigers' bowl game on Jan. 2.
Koki Riley covers LSU sports for The Daily Advertiser and the USA TODAY Sports South Region. Email him at kriley@theadvertiser.com and follow him on Twitter at @KokiRiley.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU football, 2023 NFL Draft tracker for Brian Kelly second offseason
