How LSU Football Prospects Fared at the NFL Combine: An In-Depth Analysis

The NFL Scouting Combine, held annually in Indianapolis, is one of the most pivotal events for college football players aspiring to make the leap to the professional ranks. For LSU, one of college football’s most storied programs, the combine serves as a key moment for prospects to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. In 2024, LSU sent a talented group of players to the combine, representing a team that finished the season strong and had several standouts on both sides of the ball. The performances of LSU’s players at the combine have had significant implications for their draft stock, showcasing their athleticism, skills, and readiness for the next level.

In this article, we will break down how the LSU football prospects fared at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. We’ll take a close look at the standout performances, individual drills, and overall impressions made by key players such as Jayden Daniels, B.J. Ojulari, Kayshon Boutte, and others. By examining their results in various tests such as the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, and agility drills, we can better understand how LSU’s top prospects performed and what it could mean for their futures in the NFL.

1. Jayden Daniels: Quarterback with Elite Mobility

One of the most intriguing prospects at the combine was LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had a highly productive season under center for the Tigers in 2023. Daniels, a dual-threat quarterback, showcased both his arm strength and athleticism throughout the season. As one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class, the combine was an opportunity for Daniels to prove that he has the tools to excel at the next level.

At the combine, Daniels stood out with his mobility and athleticism. While he didn’t participate in every drill due to his previous experience at LSU and his focus on showcasing his passing abilities, Daniels’ quickness and fluidity were on full display in the positional drills. His footwork was sharp, and his ability to make off-platform throws demonstrated that he could thrive in a dynamic NFL offense.

40-Yard Dash:
Daniels posted an impressive 4.53-second 40-yard dash, which confirmed his speed and mobility. His quickness on the field is one of his most significant attributes, and his combine performance only solidified his status as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the draft.

Passing Drills:
In the passing drills, Daniels’ arm strength and accuracy impressed many scouts. He consistently threw deep balls with velocity and precision, especially in tight-window scenarios. His ability to read the defense and make quick decisions further enhanced his draft stock. Daniels showed that he is capable of thriving in the modern NFL, where quarterbacks are expected to make plays both in the pocket and on the move.

Overall, Daniels’ combine performance showed that he has the athleticism and skills to be an NFL starter. While some concerns about his consistency in reading defenses remain, his ability to extend plays with his legs and his elite speed make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a dual-threat quarterback.

2. B.J. Ojulari: Edge Rusher with Explosive Potential

B.J. Ojulari, LSU’s standout edge rusher, was another player who attracted a great deal of attention at the NFL Scouting Combine. Ojulari, who is known for his speed, explosiveness, and pass-rushing ability, entered the combine with the expectation that he could solidify his status as one of the top edge rushers in the draft. He lived up to the hype, putting on a show with his athleticism and raw power.

40-Yard Dash:
Ojulari ran an impressive 4.58-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his quickness and burst off the line of scrimmage. For an edge rusher, this time is outstanding, as it demonstrates Ojulari’s ability to close the gap between himself and the quarterback quickly. His time in the 40-yard dash further validated his explosive first step, which is a key part of his pass-rushing toolkit.

Bench Press:
Ojulari put up 22 reps on the bench press, demonstrating his strength and ability to overpower blockers. While his strength is not necessarily his most dominant trait, his performance in the bench press showed that he has the physical tools to compete with NFL-caliber linemen.

Vertical Jump:
Ojulari also impressed with his 38-inch vertical jump, which showcased his explosive power and ability to get off the ground quickly. This is a critical trait for an edge rusher, as it allows Ojulari to be effective in jump-swatting passes or disengaging from blockers at the point of attack.

Overall, Ojulari’s combine performance reaffirmed his status as one of the top edge rusher prospects in the 2024 draft class. His explosive first step, athleticism, and strength make him a highly coveted player for teams looking to improve their pass rush.

3. Kayshon Boutte: Wide Receiver with Speed and Smooth Routes

Kayshon Boutte had a rollercoaster career at LSU, with high expectations early on that were followed by a somewhat inconsistent performance in 2023. However, he entered the combine with the goal of improving his draft stock and showing that he has the tools to succeed at the next level. Boutte is known for his speed, smooth route-running, and ability to make plays in space. His combine performance was crucial in helping him get back on the radar of NFL scouts.

40-Yard Dash:
Boutte’s most notable performance came in the 40-yard dash, where he ran an impressive 4.37 seconds. This time put him among the fastest receivers at the combine and reinforced his reputation as a burner. Boutte’s speed is one of his most prominent features, and his ability to separate from defenders with his quickness makes him an intriguing option for teams in need of a dynamic deep threat.

Agility Drills:
Boutte also excelled in the agility drills, posting times that reflected his smoothness and fluidity in his route-running. His ability to make quick cuts, accelerate, and separate from defenders made him a standout during the combine. These agility drills are critical for wide receivers in today’s NFL, as they demonstrate the player’s ability to get open in various situations.

Catching Drills:
In the catching drills, Boutte demonstrated his strong hands and ability to track the ball in difficult conditions. While there were occasional drops in contested situations, his overall ability to make catches in tight windows impressed scouts. Boutte’s quickness and natural receiving ability should make him a solid contributor at the next level.

Boutte’s combine performance reassured many scouts that he has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. His speed and route-running ability make him a potential starting receiver, and if he can continue to develop his consistency and hands, he could be a valuable asset for a team in need of a deep threat.

4. Maason Smith: Defensive Tackle with Unmatched Strength and Explosiveness

Maason Smith, the highly touted defensive tackle from LSU, was another prospect who attracted significant attention at the combine. Smith’s combination of size, power, and athleticism made him one of the most feared interior defensive linemen in college football during his time at LSU. At the combine, Smith looked to prove that he could continue that dominance at the next level.

40-Yard Dash:
Smith ran a respectable 5.02-second 40-yard dash, which for a defensive tackle weighing over 300 pounds is a solid time. His ability to move that quickly at his size is a testament to his natural athleticism. Though speed is not his primary strength, Smith’s time showcased that he has the quickness to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays in the backfield.

Bench Press:
Smith posted 30 reps on the bench press, which was one of the strongest performances by a defensive lineman at the combine. His strength allows him to bull rush offensive linemen, and his ability to disengage and make plays in the trenches is one of his most valuable skills.

Vertical Jump and Broad Jump:
Smith also posted strong numbers in the vertical jump (30 inches) and broad jump (9’3”), demonstrating his explosive power. These numbers show that Smith can generate quick bursts of power, which is essential for an interior lineman looking to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays.

While Smith did not blow scouts away with any individual drill, his overall performance demonstrated that he has the strength, athleticism, and power to be a force on the defensive line in the NFL. His versatility and ability to clog up running lanes while also rushing the passer make him a highly attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive front.

5. Other LSU Prospects

While Daniels, Ojulari, Boutte, and Smith were the headliners, several other LSU prospects also participated in the NFL Scouting Combine, and their performances contributed to the overall picture of LSU’s draft class.

• Ali Gaye (Edge Rusher): Gaye had a solid combine performance, running a 4.72 40-yard dash and posting a 32-inch vertical jump. His explosiveness and length make him an intriguing project for NFL teams looking for depth at the edge position.
• Jaquelin Roy (Defensive Tackle): Roy showed off his impressive agility and strength in the combine, recording a 5.04 40-yard dash and a 25-rep bench press. His size and ability to take up space in the interior make him a potential day-two pick.
• Jay Ward (Safety): Ward performed well in the secondary drills, showing his ability to move fluidly and track the ball. His time of 4.44 in the 40-yard dash further solidified his standing as one of the top safety prospects in the draft.