College Football Week 1: NFL Draft big board – Quarterbacks rule
Arden Key
EDGE, LSU
Arden Key is another EDGE rusher from the SEC that scouts love. Whether it’s his 6’6″ frame or his burst, Key is a talented EDGE defender that will have an opportunity to succeed at that next level as a pro.
He had shoulder surgery in the offseason, which makes it intriguing how fast the Tigers choose to bring him along. He hasn’t faced much contact if any and it will certainly take time for him to get in his groove again.
Still, it shouldn’t take that long with the talent he possesses. There’s no such thing as too explosive and that energy is going to keep him at the top of many big boards. He gets plenty of sacks and disrupts games against the best competition in college football.
He had 14 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last year. Even if he was fully healthy, that would be difficult to replicate. Still, when he does get to that point of health is going to have a similar impact.
His length also gives him the advantage to wrap up and slow down the run game. He has the physical gifts to have another big year. As soon as he is back at full strength, he’s going to be a game changer for the Tigers this year.