re: There is hope regarding early departures but it might not be good.

Are you coming to campus little doggie, or are you just gonna bark from the porch?
I even offered to buy you a beer.

LSU fans (and players) need a reality check.

I think very highly of all of the draft eligible juniors. But I am biased to think highly of them, they are Tigers. All Tigers fans feel the same way. A good LSU player who starts for LSU should be a good NFL prospect. But that is not always the case.

I do not pretend to be an NFL scout or a talent evaluator. But I do think I can collect data and make an informed decision about what should happen. Based on those who prognosticate (not just one, but everyone from CBS to WalterFootball) there are only two guys who should even THINK about coming out early. They are Danielle Hunter and Vadal Alexander.

Danielle Hunter is generally rated as the 8th or 9th best DE prospect, with a draft grade from the top of the second round to the bottom of the third round. He is generally rated behind Randy Gregory, Nebraska; Shane Ray, Mizzou; Shawn Oakman, Baylor; Dante Fowler, Florida; Alvin Dupree, KY; Nate Orchard, Utah; Shilique Calhoun, MSU; and Mario Edwards, FSU. He is a physical specimen and stout in the run game, but he remains a little raw. Some might say, "not ready." If he comes back and gets another year under his belt (particularly if he is a more productive pass rusher), he could make himself a LOT of money. For sure, he has to consider that against the risk of injury, but he also has to consider it against giving up on another year of college football, a better potential draft spot and a chance to win a championship. Guys tend to undervalue the college experience/playing for championships but no doubt if he is drafted lower than expected, struggles to make a roster and appears "not ready" while watching LSU compete for a national title next year in his absence, he will have some regrets. If I were him, I would bet on myself. I would take the year to try to make myself the top DE in the 2016 draft.

Vadal is an even more interesting situation. Some people say he is a top three guard prospect. Some have him lower than that. His grade is anywhere from second round to day three. Day three is a disaster. Second round? That's pretty good. Tough call for Vadal. Now, barring injury, I think if he comes back he dramatically improves his chances of perhaps being the first guard off the board. And, like Hunter, he can be part of a special team. As for the injury question, if he suffers a career threatening injury next year as a Tiger or as a fourth round or lower draft pick the risk is pretty much the same. NFL contracts aren't guaranteed.

As for the remainder. None are consensus top 10 players at their position. Hawkins, Kwon, Dural, Mills or Collins all face a serious risk of going undrafted or being late round picks. Again, I'm not saying it, the people who spend a lot more time on this than anyone else are saying it. Maybe they're all wrong. But they all say La'El is a first rounder. All of these guys are good players but you know what Tiger fans, most Power 5 conference teams have a speedy 6'2" receiver. Most Power 5 conference teams have a rangy linebacker with good speed and leadership qualities. Most power 5 conference teams have a RT with good measurable and potential upside.

Tiger fans should not assume that because past LSU players came out early in droves that every draft eligible Tiger is going to follow suit. I think most of these guys are going to look at their chances and decide that they are better off coming back than they are going now, giving up college ball and taking their chances against pretty long odds. For sure this is true of all but Hunter and Vadal, but even those guys have VERY hard choices. None of them have an easy decision like Odell Beckham had. So quit comparing them.

Take off the purple and gold glasses and realize that these guys have bright futures and can play their way into high draft picks but most aren't can't miss NFL prospects yet. They all can use the extra experience and seasoning of a fourth year in college.

quote:

---

I will not be coming against consistently until baseball season cranks up. I

---

Sweet. I'm here on campus everyday, just let me know when. I go top most of the baseball games too, so it should be an easy problem.

quote:

---

I wouldn't drink a beer paid for by you, and that's a fact. I have zero respect for you.

---

quote:

---

I will meet your sorry arse though if you want to come to Laburge...but they probably won't let you in the high limit room.

---

I see you chose the porch little doggie.

I am at lauberge quite a bit too, know a whole bunch of the staff, and not just the servers and dealers. Tell me when, and I'll meet you there too. Whatever works little doggie.

quote:

---

I wouldn't drink a beer paid for by you, and that's a fact. I have zero respect for you.

---

Sheesh. I don't think I've ever taken Cpt's side on something on here, but you need to learn to not take this shite so seriously. I'd drink a beer with him. He seems like a massive smartass, which is right in my wheelhouse.

quote:

---

Tigerinthehollow

---

the internet is serious motherfricking business

quote:

---

I wouldn't drink a beer paid for by you, and that's a fact

---

Some people take this place A little to serious.....

quote:

---

I'd drink a beer with him. He seems like a massive smartass, which is right in my wheelhouse.

---

I'd buy YOU a beer... Prob about 6.. Hell I would even by Hollow a beer. And if he refuses it??? More beer for me...........

quote:

---

CptBengal

---

Just curious, you do know that on this site, your opinion is respected about as much as Lou Holtz right?

Seriously, you try to come across as someone successful when talking non-football....(i.e., come to my office on campus, I know a lot of the top dogs at laburge, etc...) but when you talk football, you come across as an 18 year old kid without a clue...that obviously thinks he knows everything. It's not an act for you either....I see your knee-jerk threads....the A&M thread was only an example. It's who you are.

You are a complete idiot, and obviously not very highly educated. Why in the world would I want to sit and talk with someone like you? Honestly? I have about as much desire and would get about as much satisfaction as I would to go shopping with my wife for an entire Saturday. You aren't interesting, and quite frankly you come off as a little psychotic.......nevertheless, I'll let you know next time I am down.....I'll show you how us old timers roll....you might be more than a little surprised what a little money, personality, and bs can pull in there by an old timer like me....

[quote]Sheesh. I don't think I've ever taken Cpt's side on something on here, but you need to learn to not take this shite so seriously. I'd drink a beer with him. He seems like a massive smartass, which is right in my wheelhouse.
[/quote
I drink with a lot of people....hell I do most of the buying....and honestly, I'm a shots type of guy once out and having fun....however, the guy comes across as a complete tool on here...much like Dukkee....sorry that I don't have a lot of desire to sit and talk about how bad I hate miles and how bad LSU sucks....just not my idea of fun...but nevertheless, to each his own.

quote:

---

You are a complete idiot, and obviously not very highly educated

---

Why?? Just cause he doesn't agree with you??? Hows the uneducated one here......

quote:

---

I have about as much desire and would get about as much satisfaction as I would to go shopping with my wife for an entire Saturday.

---

Just remember YOU opened this door..

So spending time with your wife bores you???? She must be a Bama fan........

quote:

---

You aren't interesting, and quite frankly you come off as a little psychotic....

---

Your wife must be the same...From what you just said... I feel for your family...

IF you have kids..........Shame....

Remember YOU brought it up.....

quote:

---

you might be more than a little surprised what a little money, personality, and bs can pull in there by an old timer like me....

---

Bengal would blow you out of the water.... As would I............