For a non-New Year’s Six Bowl Game, this match-up in the 2016 Citrus Bowl is loaded with talent. Bobby Petrino has stocked Louisville with great players, while LSU seemingly always has NFL Draft prospects. There are too many players to go over, but here are the best ones to watch:
LSU Tigers
Jamal Adams, S
Projected Draft Range: First Round
Adams is a complete safety at the college level. He comes up to play the run well and even hits hard when he provides the support. Adams has shown the ability to cover elite college tight ends, which is something he will be asked to do at the next level. Against Ole Miss he had a few really good plays against Evan Engram, an NFL prospect at tight end. He has athleticism and a lot of range. A three year starter for the Tigers, Adams is a great safety prospect.
Tre’Davious White, CB
Projected Draft Range: First round-second round
Leader is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about Tre’Davious White. He is the only player to be awarded the number 18 twice for LSU. That number is voted on by former number 18s and shows how much of a leader he is to the Tigers. White is a shut-down corner who has the ability to stick with good NFL receivers. His ball skills are great. He has added value in the return game, where he has one touchdown for the past three years. He can cover the slot or outside receivers at the next level.
Ethan Pocic, OC/OG
Projected Draft Range: First round-third round
Pocic has the capability to play all of the interior line positions, which makes him more valuable to NFL teams. He has great size at six feet six inches tall and 309 pounds. Pocic is a great run blocker, but will need to improve his pass blocking for the NFL. He has a great football IQ and sets up protections well. Interior linemen don’t get drafted very highly, but Pocic will be one of the first ones off of the board.
Kendell Beckwith, LB
Projected Draft Range: Second round-fourth round
Beckwith has been a great tackler for the Tigers for three years now. He can play inside linebacker in just about any defensive scheme. His ability to blitz and get after the quarterback is good, but needs improvement. Beckwith isn’t the great cover linebacker, but he makes up for that with his ability to stop the run. Beckwith will be able to compete for a starting job in his first year.
Louisville Cardinals
Devonte Fields, DE/OLB
Projected Draft Range: Second round-fourth round
Fields has good size at six feet four inches tall, but needs to add weight at 242 Â pounds. He has the necessary athleticism to be a great edge rusher. At the very least he can be a situational pass rusher. Fields has 25.5 career sacks. If he wants to stay on the field for more than just passing situations, he needs to improve his ability to stop the run. Fields does present some character issues, as he was kicked off of TCU’s team.
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