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NFL Draft 2018: Way-too-early ranking of top 7 SEC prospects

By Erich Hilkert

Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies receiver Christian Kirk (3) runs after a reception in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies receiver Christian Kirk (3) runs after a reception in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Arden Key is currently taking a break from football, but the expectation is he will return in time for the 2017 season. He set a school-record in 2016 with 12 total sacks. At 6-feet, 6-inches and 238 pounds used his tremendous speed and length to get to the quarterback.

He is allegedly up to 255 pounds, so it will be interesting to see how the weight gain might make him an even stronger overall player, especially in run support. His tackles for a loss total jumped to 12.5 in 2016, up from 6.5 in 2015.

Improving Draft Stock

Key already took a step to gain weight to prepare him for the next level. Now, he needs a season of experience playing at an elevated weight to show he can maintain the weight and still be an elite pass rusher.

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