5 LSU players to watch out for in 2022 NFL Draft

5 LSU Tigers to watch out for in 2022 NFL Draft (#1-#3)

#1 CB Derek Stingley Jr

LSU DB Derek Stingley Jr - 2022 NFL Draft Class

Let's get the most well-known LSU Tiger out of the way first and that is cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.

Stingley has been an impact player since his freshman year in 2019. He was a major piece in the Tigers' run to the championship and earned First-Team All-American honors. However, he is an interesting prospect in that he remains a highly-regarded draft pick despite playing ten games in the last two seasons combined. He's viewed as the third-best defensive back in the 2022 NFL Draft on average, but some have him off the board by No. 5.

There is a possibility that Stingley could fall to the late-teens of the first round, but he will be an instant starter no matter where he goes. His skillset allows him to cover the slot on one play and then the opponent's best receiver on the outside on the next play. Stingley reminds some of Jamal Adams, another great former Tigers defender.

#2 LB Damone Clark

LSU Tigers LB Damone Clark - 2022 NFL Draft Class

Damone Clark was the Tigers' leading tackler and the second-best linebacker to come out of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Nakobe Dean has a case for being the first linebacker taken in the draft, and rightfully so.

Clark is no bum in any sense but suffers from playing on a great college defense. His short-distance explosiveness and pursuits are elite and can be disruptive against the passing game with knockdowns and coverage skills across the middle of the field. Damone is able to read the quarterback and running back well and react in an instant with the correct read.

Good linebackers can either stuff the run or aid in the coverage of the passing attack. Great linebackers can do both and also come off the edge as a blitzer. That's who Damone Clark is, and there's a chance we'll hear his name in the second round.

#3 DT Neil Farrell Jr.

DT Neil Farrell Jr. - LSU Tigers 2022 NFL Draft Class

The Tigers had a fantastic defense in 2021 and defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. was their highest-rated defender.

The big man is 325+ pounds, but you wouldn't guess it by how soft and agile his feet are. He possesses the same moves that an edge-rusher has, and he performs them well.

There are a few flaws to his game, including a lack of lateral quickness and upper body strength. Overall, his size and frame are what NFL teams want in a defensive tackle, and they can condition him to gain more strength in his upper body and gain speed without losing much of his frame.

Neil can fit in either a 3-4 front or 4-3 gap defense. In the NFL Draft, he will likely go around the fourth round. He'll probably play as a rookie but will be a consistent starter by his third season.