Last week, I wrote about how the USC-Stanford game would feature more future NFL offensive draft choices than any other game this fall. This week's LSU vs Alabama contest is not only a matchup between CFB's top two teams, the game also showcases more future NFL defensive draft choices than any other game this season. While each squad has plenty of future NFL offensive talent, this week's showdown in Tuscaloosa could feature as many as 10 future NFL defensive first round draft choices.
For LSU, the Tigers have arguably the top two corner prospects in CFB in Junior Morris Claiborne and Sophomore Tyrann Mathieu. If he declares early, Claiborne is a projected top-15 pick in the 2102 Draft, and Mathieu may be the finest defensive player in the nation as a true sophomore. He has the same cover skills, big-play ability and the toughness that made Vikings CB Antoine WInfield a first rounder when he left Ohio State in 1999. Rising Senior Safety Brandon Taylor is another player whose best football is ahead of him, as he continues to improve weekly, and hard hitting FS Eric Reid may be the nation's top 2014 Safety prospect.
LSU also features the deepest defensive line in country, with as many as 8-10 future NFL draft choices, highlighted by the top-ranked Sophomore DE in the country, athletic speedster Barkevious Mingo, along with rising Sophomore DE Sam Montgomery. Both Mingo and Montgomery run in the 4.55-4.6 range and have incredible bend, burst and backside quickness that should allow both to be early choices in the 2013 or 2014 Drafts. Sophomore DT Michael Brockers is a load and will remind you of a young Marcus Stroud, and many already see him as an eventual first-day pick. Add in the number one Freshman DT prospect in the country, starter Anthony Johnson, and LSU could boast four future first rounders from their two-deep on their defensive line.
Alabama, though a little older on defense than LSU, has plenty of NFL talent, as well. Senior LB Courtney Upshaw, who is projected as a mid-late 2012 first rounder, has NFL versatility in that he could project as a pass rushing 3-4 OLB for a team like the Steelers, Patriots or Chargers, or could be equally as comfortable with his hand in the dirt as an upfield 4-3 DE in a scheme that uses quick, undersized ends like the Colts. Junior ILB Dont'a Hightower is a physical specimen at 6'4' and 260-pounds and will remind you of former Bama and current Raider standout, Rolando McClain. Hightower is healthy this year and is playing at a high level. He is also a great 3-4 downhill fit and projects as a first or second rounder in 2013. OLB Nico Johnson is another 3-4 projection who should make some noise on day one of the 2013 Draft.
Alabama Safety Mark Barron is generally regarded as the top Safety prospect for the 2012 Draft, showing big-play ability and toughness, though he still needs to polish his cover skills. Junior CB Dre Kirkpatrick has great NFL size at 6'2" and 193-pounds and is considered a potential first rounder in 2013. He would be an ideal cover-2 fit for a team like the Bucs, Bears or Colts. Their other starting Safety, Robert Lester, is considered a potential first-day choice in 2013, as well. Backup CB Dee Milliner and backup Safety Jarrick Williams also flash exciting NFL potential.
And what would a Nick Saban squad be without a deep defensive line full of NFL potential: Senior Josh Chapman, a potential first-day 2012 draft choice, is an improving player with a great first step and a strong, sturdy base who shows next level versatility as a potential 3-technique or as a 3-4 Nose. Junior Jesse Williams is a large 2-gap player who is also flashing future 3rd-4th round skills.
So sit back and relax Saturday night and watch these two great teams battle it out while you witness many of Sunday's next defensive stars.
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