NFL Draft Preview: Mississippi State vs. LSU

QuarterBack:

Dak Prescott, Junior, Mississippi State

Prescott is a polarizing junior prospect whose grade differs depending on you talk to. At 230 pounds, he can handle the beating of a quarterback but it appears he will come in under 6’1 which is a kiss of death for quarterback prospects. Prescott has plenty of physical tools include a tight spiral and excellent deep touch passing. He has a bit of a gunslinger mentality which can cause turnovers, but he has been improving through his college career. With some height and football intelligence issues, Prescott could be a prospect who declares early but is disappointed as a 2nd day pick at best.

Running Back:

Kenny Hilliard, LSU
Terrance McGee, LSU

LSU has churned out numerous RBs into the NFL, most recently 2nd round pick Jeremy Hill, and next in line are Kenny Hilliard and Terrance McGee. LSU brought in 5 star recruit Leonard Fournette at RB, but he has not been able to hold off the productive seniors.
Kenny Hilliard is big bodied at 232 pounds but has good acceleration and vision to pick up plenty of yards. Hilliard averages over 5 yards a carry over the course of his college career by being tough to bring down and picking up an extra yard or two on ever rush. He may not be an every down back with his lack of receiving talent, but as a later round short yardage back with some upside, Hilliard is a name to follow.
Terrence McGee has been a complimentary player for his LSU career, a homerun threat to give an outside presence for players like Hilliard and Hill. McGee has solid size at 217 pounds, and also isn’t catching many passes in college, but he has a good top gear of speed and is utilized on a lot of counter and toss plays to the outside. McGee has been underutilized as an LSU runner, he averaged over 7 yards a carry as a junior on 86 carries, and has some upside with his size and speed. McGee is another later round flier type RB.
Advantage: Todd Gurley

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Offensive Line:

La’el Collins, OT, LSU

The top prospect in this game, La’el Collins started every game of his junior (and senior season thus far,) at LT. He also started every game of his sophomore year at LG, showing some versatility to kick inside if teams need him to. Collins is a physical freak standing at 6’5 321 pounds with long trunks for arms and legs. His physical prowess allows him to keep athletic defensive ends at bay in pass protection or maul them in the run game. He does need development as he can get caught in a lazy presnap set at times or get confused on stunts and more difficult defensive states. Collins has a shot at the first round, and is a player to track this season.

Vadal Alexander, Junior, OG, LSU

Alexander is only a junior, but going into his 2nd year starting at left guard and his 340 pound frame has allowed him to be a dominant run blocker with pulling ability to boot. This combination makes him one of, if not the, top guard prospect in the country. Even though many teams are moving away from a power run scheme, Alexander’s football intelligence and size can be a benefit and create running lanes at the NFL level.

Blaine Clausell, OT, Miss. St.

Clausell has been starting at Left Tackle since late in his freshman year. He is towering at 6’7, but doesn’t have the anchor or consistency to be a top tier NFL prospect. He is an above average pass blocker and average run blocker who struggles with top tier talent. He could be a candidate to move inside in the NFL, and the experience should make an easy transition to a role in the pros. Clausell is a late round pick who could play multiple NFL positions.

Safety:

Justin Cox, Miss. St.

The Bulldogs starting FS Justin Cox provides good size with a big coverage range. Standing at 6’3, Cox can match up with TEs well or cover the back end of the defense. He is very tight hipped and doesn’t have the closing speed or fluidity that most NFL teams will look for. He has upside in both special teams and coverage at the next level. A solid midround pick, Cox could help himself with a good game against LSU.