LSU Football: 5 reasons Arden Key will be better than Myles Garrett

1. Better defense surrounding Arden Key

This reason takes all the pressure off Key as a pass rusher. It’s easier to do your job when your co-workers are taking care of business as well and you don’t have to shoulder the load. Well, the same goes for college football players.

If you’ve ever noticed, it’s hard for a defensive player to stand out on a horrid unit. Myles Garrett bucked that trend from 2014-16. He starred on a unit that was arguably one of the worst in the SEC, and even the nation. Just last year, the Aggies ranked 90th in total defense, 91st against the pass and 80th against the run. That means the offensive line can double and triple-team him with no problem.

Fortunately for Key, his defense stands much taller. The Tigers have had one of the top defenses in college football for years and although they’re losing some key players, they still look to be on track to pace the conference, along with Florida and Alabama — and even Georgia.

When everyone else is doing their job, LSU’s defense is tough to stop and Key can take on an opponent one-on-one. That’s a tremendous mismatch.

Next: 5 favorites who could win 2017 Maxwell Award

Key’s numbers from last year were impressive, but if he lives up to his potential during his junior year, he will eclipse them, as well as Garrett’s.