2018 NFL Draft: Can LSU’s Arden Key make bid for first round?

The LSU Tigers have become known for producing strong defenders who do big things in the NFL. Where will Arden Key land in the 2018 NFL draft?

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It was another exciting year in Baton Rouge, headed up by linebacker Arden Key. The junior was a leader for the Tigers despite a shoulder surgery that held him back for a few games of his career. He is by no means the strongest or most talked about defender in this year’s draft. However, he has the chance to make some noise in the early rounds providing he shows out at the Combine.

In his three years in purple and gold, he played in 31 games including 28 starts. He amassed 130 tackles. 26.5 tackles for loss, 21 sacks and 28 quarterback hurries. His 21 sacks tie him for third most in LSU history. A less than successful season for Key in 2017 sets him back a bit, but a strong showing at the combine could make all the difference.

Strengths

Key’s biggest strength is his long limbs and flexibility. He is able to use that to evade offensive linemen and make the big play that many are expecting of him. That is seen with his 2015 and 2016 campaigns when he was easily one of the best in the SEC. He has the length and range to rope in running backs that try to scurry around him to the corner and is surprisingly quick off the line.

Moreover, has the ability to be an explosive defender at the next level if he learns to use his strength and length consistently. He is surprisingly quick and talented at changing directions and breaking up plays that have the potential to go for a big gain. The question now will be what he is able to bring to the Combine as his 2017 season was less than stellar.

Weaknesses

The biggest worries surrounding Key aren’t on the field issues. This past spring he left the team for almost four months, citing personal reasons. He also had shoulder surgery during this time. During this time, his weight increased and he seemed to decline in terms of speed. As a result, NFL teams around the league are worried about his lack of personal discipline.

In 2017, he seemed sluggish and predictable. This was a complete 180 from his 2015 and 2016 campaigns. As a result, he has been listed as a player to watch at the combine this week. He wants to show teams that he is ready to be reckoned with. Many question what he will do with the power and money that comes with being an NFL defender. Only time will tell on that one.

Next: Latest pre-Combine NFL Mock Draft first round

Draft Expectations

Key has lost quite a bit of his draft stock after some off the field issues and a lackluster 2017 season. It is possible that 2015 and 2016 will be enough to make up for that, but we are currently sitting and wondering until draft day on that one. While his length and ability is not in question, his speed and conditioning is. Those worries could plummet his draft stock and push him out of the first round.

Projection: Early to mid second round