By LSU has earned the nickname “NFLSU” for a reason.
The Tigers have always produced quite a bit of pro talent, but in recent years, that has gone into overdrive. LSU’s 2019 team alone produced one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Joe Burrow as well as two of its best receivers in Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase.
While those are arguably the biggest names the Tigers have produced recently, they’re not the only ones. CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco released his annual NFL top 100 player rankings, and six former LSU stars cracked his list.
Here’s where each stands in Prisco’s rankings.
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Even at the age of 32, he continues to be a playmaker on defense. He has a knack for the ball and can do a lot of things. He can play near the line of scrimmage and also excel on the back end. (Last season: No. 81)
Mathieu is a seasoned veteran at this point and hasn’t reached a Pro Bowl since 2021, but he remains one of the leagues better safeties and had four interceptions starting every game in 2023.
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After a disappointing 2022 rookie season, he flashed star potential last year for the Texans. He is a long corner who is capable of matching up in coverage with the game’s best receivers. (Last season: NR)
Stingley has struggled to stay healthy in his first two seasons, but when he’s on the field, he looks like one of the best young corners in the league. He had five interceptions and 13 pass breakups despite playing in only 11 games last season.
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He had 16 1/2 sacks for the Vikings last season, continuing to be a force off the edge. In Houston, he will team with Will Anderson Jr. to give the Texans a nice duo of pass rushers. (Last season: NR)
Hunter is one of the NFL’s top pass rushers having turned in 12 or more sacks in four seasons to this point in his career. His 2023 total was a career-high that earned him Pro Bowl honors and a big free agent contract.
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He was limited to 10 games in 2023 because of a calf strain followed by a season-ending wrist injury, the latter basically ending the Bengals’ playoff chances. When on the field, he’s a star. But he has to stay there. That’s the only thing holding him back. (Last season: No. 3)
Burrow was never healthy last season, battling a calf injury in camp that lingered into the season before a torn wrist ligament ended his campaign. That interrupted what was seen as a meteoric rise, and he hopes to return to form this season.
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Even with Joe Burrow missing time, Chase had a big season for the Bengals in 2023. He had a career-best 100 catches with seven touchdowns. Expect the Bengals to lock him up with a big contract soon. (Last season: No. 16)
Chase has emerged as one of the NFL’s top receivers since reuniting with his college quarterback, and he managed his third-straight 1,000-yard season in 2023 despite Burrow’s injury.
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Injuries limited him to nine starts last season, which is why he had a career-low 68 catches in his fourth season. But he averaged 107.4 receiving yards per game, which was a career best. (Last season: No. 7)
The top LSU player on this list, Jefferson has a case for being the NFL’s best wideout. He still finished with 1,000 yards in 2023 even though he was limited to 10 games. He was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 after leading the league with 1,809 yards.
