5 LSU players to watch out for on Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft ft. Maason Smith

LSU had a trio of players taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. However, the Tigers are far from finished. Rounds two and three of the draft take place Friday, and several LSU prospects could be selected on day two. Here's a breakdown on five more Tigers who might hear their names called during Friday's draft proceedings, from the likely to the merely possible.

5 LSU players to watch out for on Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft

LSU transfer Jordan Jefferson (99) may be selected on the second day of the NFL draft.

#1 Maason Smith, DT

Smith was a five-star recruit for LSU. His rise was a bit unexpected because he played virtually the entire 2022 season after being injured in the opening game. Smith was still a bit rusty in 2023, as he posted 28 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. At nearly 6-foot-5 and just under 310 pounds, Smith has the physique for the NFL. He also ran the 40-yard dash in just 5.01 seconds.

Smith meets the eyeball test but hasn't had a ton of playing experience. He had just 47 tackles in his LSU career. He shows flashes of brilliance, but will need coaching to work on his technique and his consistency. Still, defensive tackle has emerged as a prominent position in this draft, and Smith could be a second-round pick on Friday evening.

#2 Mekhi Wingo, DT

Wingo started his career at Missouri but transferred to LSU before the 2022 season. He missed a big chunk of 2023 due to a groin injury. In three seasons, Wingo posted 98 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. That includes 25 stops and five TFLs in just eight games in 2023.

Wingo is undersized for his position in the NFL. Just over 6-foot, he weighs in under 290 pounds and recorded a 4.8-second speed in the 40-yard dash. He'll have to use his quickness to try to dispute opposing backfields. At least initially, he may be a situational player who comes out in running situations. Still, Wingo's speed and talent project him into the second or third round of the draft.

#3 Jordan Jefferson, DT

Jefferson spent four seasons at West Virginia before transferring to LSU for the 2023 season. He started the last six games of the year and posted a solid year with 36 tackles and seven tackles for loss. For his career, with 25 starts, he had 90 tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss.

Jefferson is imposing, at over 6-foot-2 and nearing 320 pounds. He still ran the 40-yard dash in 5.08 seconds. Jefferson will sell NFL teams that are hopeful of further development from this late bloomer. He's big and strong enough to be a component in the NFL, although he's probably more likely to be a third-day draft pick than a second-day pick.

#4 Charles Turner III, C

Turner started for two seasons at LSU. He weighed just 240 pounds when he enrolled, and tried guard and tackle before settling in at center. Turner has also battled some injury issues in both his upper and lower body. He's very much a work in progress.

Turner is one of the unlikely players who changed substantially between entering college and finishing eligibility. He'll need to keep putting on weight and strength to compete in the NFL. But given the lack of true center prospects, Turner will certainly get an NFL shot. He's probably a third-day pick, but a team desperate for a center could nab Turner early.

#5 Andre Sam, S

Sam is a rare seven-year college player. He was at McNeese State for five years, spent a year at Marshall and then transferred to LSU for the 2023 season. He had 317 total college tackles and made 85 stops for the Tigers, with six pass break ups.

Sam is just 5-foot-11 tall and will be slightly undersized in the NFL. His intensity and physicality will get him a shot in the pro league. That said, he'll have to earn a bigger role on special teams and possibly time on a practice squad. Sam is probably hoping to be a day-three pick.

Which Tigers prospect will get selected on Day 2? Let us know your thoughts below in the comments section!