NFL Draft Recap: BJ Ojulari, Kayshon Boutte Headline List of Tigers Selected
LSU was well represented once again during the NFL Draft after seeing six Tigers hear their names called over the three day event. Headlined by BJ Ojulari, who went in the second round, this program proved once again they have the resources to produce NFL talent.
With six players selected and a number of guys picked up as undrafted free agents, LSU will have even more Tigers in the pros ahead of next season.
A recap of the players who heard their names called and a rundown of who’s signed deals so far:
The Draft Selections
BJ Ojulari - Arizona Cardinals - Round 2: No. 41 Overall
Former LSU EDGE BJ Ojulari has seen his game explode over the last few years, and after a dominant run in Baton Rouge, his NFL journey is set to get started. Ojulari was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in Round 4 with the No. 41 overall pick.
Ojulari is fresh off of his best season for the Tigers. After becoming a first-team All-SEC talent in 2022, it all came together for the dynamic pass rusher. In 11 starts, Ojulari tallied 58 tackles, 8.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks despite missing two early-season games with a knee injury.
Anthony Bradford - Seattle Seahawks - Round 4: No. 108 Overall
LSU offensive lineman Anthony Bradford became the second Tiger off the board after being selected in Round 4 with the No. 108 by the Seattle Seahawks. Bradford, who emerged as a key piece to LSU’s offensive line due to his versatility in 2022, spent four seasons in Baton Rouge before taking his talents to the next level.
The 6-foot-4, 332-pounder made 12 starts in 2022 with 11 of them coming at right guard and one at left tackle. It’s expected Bradford stays at guard once in the NFL, but he’s shown he can move around quite a bit.
He made 17 career starts while suiting up in the purple and gold with five of them coming during his third season with the program. In 2021, Bradford started five of his six games played with one of them coming at right guard and four at left tackle.
Jay Ward - Minnesota Vikings - Round 4: No. 134 Overall
Ward heard his name called on Day 3 of the NFL Draft after the Minnesota Vikings snagged the talented defensive back. A player who has shown tremendous versatility, playing both cornerback and safety, Ward is a safe bet for the Vikings.
Ward intercepted three passes as a sophomore in 2020, returning one for a touchdown, while posting 29 tackles, six pass breakups, one blocked kick in nine games played. and
Ahead of the 2021 season, Ward moved to safety where he started 11 games there in the fall, tallying 71 tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups.
Come his senior campaign in the purple and gold, Ward started nine of 13 games played with 60 tackles, 2.5 for loss, one interception, four pass breakups.
Jaquelin Roy - Minnesota Vikings - Round 5: No. 141 Overall
LSU defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy was selected by the Vikings, joining teammate Jay Ward, as he takes his talents up North to begin his professional journey.
Roy took the country by storm as a Top 100 prospect coming out of high school, electing to stay in-state to suit up for the Tigers. Playing sparingly during his first two seasons, Roy started in 12 of 13 appearances in 2022 after posting a career year. The versatile defensive lineman tallied 49 tackles with 3.5 for loss.
Kayshon Boutte - New England Patriots - Round 6: No. 187 Overall
LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte decided to skip his senior year in Baton Rouge and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, and after sliding to a Day 3 selection, the former All-American receiver finally heard his name called. Boutte was selected in Round 6 with the No. 187 overall pick by the New England Patriots.
It was a significant slide for the once first round "lock." After taking the country by storm during the backend of his freshman campaign and carrying his success into his sophomore season, it was supposed to be a smooth sailing junior year before solidifying himself as a first rounder.
Boutte struggled after returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the back half of the 2021 season, never looking quite as explosive come 2022. Now with the New England Patriots, he has the chance to get his swagger back and make an impact for his new squad.
Jarrick Bernard-Converse - New York Jets - Round 6: No. 204 Overall
LSU defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse may not have received an NFL Combine invite, but he didn’t let it stop him from putting scouts on notice. During his LSU Pro Day, Bernard-Converse stole the show, clearly getting the attention of the New York Jets who selected him in Round 6 with the No. 204 overall pick.
In 2021 with Oklahoma State, Bernard-Converse led the Cowboys with 11 pass breakups in 14 starts while adding 51 tackles, two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His efforts earned him first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors.
After his big-time season, Bernard-Converse elected to transfer back home to Louisiana where he played in 13 games with nine starts for the Tigers. He tied for the team lead with two interceptions while posting 44 tackles and breaking up three passes along the way.
The Undrafted Free Agents
Ali Gaye - Houston Texans - UDFA
Mike Jones Jr. - Atlanta Falcons - UDFA
Jaray Jenkins - Jacksonville Jaguars - UDFA
Micah Baskerville - Chicago Bears - UDFA
Colby Richardson - Carolina Panthers - UDFA
Mekhi Garner - Philadelphia Eagles - UDFA
*This list will be updated as players sign their deals.*
