BATON ROUGE — Saturday and Sunday will be two of the biggest days in the playing careers of several LSU football players as the Tigers are expected to have at least a half-dozen juniors and seniors taken in the NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft, which features three rounds on Saturday followed by the final four rounds on Sunday, starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The draft will be televised on ESPN and ESPN2.
Among the Tigers expected to go early on Saturday are wide receivers Michael Clayton and Devery Henderson along with defensive linemen Chad Lavalais and Marquise Hill.
Clayton, who led the Tigers to the 2003 national title, capped his Tiger career ranked first in school history in touchdown receptions (21) and second in catches with 182. Henderson, who has been clocked at 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash, tied a school record with 11 TD receptions, including the game winner against Ole Miss, in 2003.
Clayton has been projected one of the top five receivers in the NFL Draft and is expected to be taken in the first round. Henderson, who improved his stock during Senior Bowl week back in January, is projected as a second round selection.
“Any team that picks either Michael or Devery will be very fortunate to get either player,” LSU coach Nick Saban said. “Both are quality individuals who are outstanding football players. Michael is a complete football player and Devery has tremendous upside with his vertical speed and his ability of returning kicks.”
Lavalais and Hill combined to give the Tigers one of the most dominant defenses in the nation in 2003 as LSU led the country in scoring defense (11.0 points per game) and total defense (252.0 yards per game). Lavalais, a consensus first team All-America in 2003, was also named the Sporting News’ National Defensive Player of the Year.
“Chad is going to be an outstanding NFL player,” Saban said. “Chad is quick with very good instincts and he’s an outstanding competitor. Sometimes those types of guys get overlooked, but whoever gets Chad is going to be very pleased with what they are getting.”
Hill, a two-year starter at defensive end for the Tigers, is one of three Tiger juniors, joining Clayton and quarterback Matt Mauck, who opted to come out early for the NFL Draft.
“I think everything is going to be alright,” Hill said. “I have worked out very hard over the last couple months and I feel good about where I stand heading into the draft. I’m just going to watch the draft at home with my family and enjoy the weekend and whatever happens.”
Lavalais and Hill have been projected as going anywhere from the second round to the fourth round.
Among the other Tigers expected to hear their name called this weekend are Mauck, All-America offensive lineman Stephen Peterman, punter Donnie Jones, Academic All-America offensive lineman Rodney Reed and strong safety Jack Hunt. Other draft possibilities for the Tigers include tight end Eric Edwards, defensive back Randall Gay, linebacker Eric Alexander and special teams standout Adrian Mayes.
“I’m going into the draft with no expectations,” Mauck said. “I have no idea what’s going to happen, and I’ll be happy to be selected and making a team.”