College Football Week 3: NFL Draft big board rankings
Arden Key
OLB, LSU
While Key has not yet been able to make his season debut yet while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, he’s set to return this weekend from a shoulder injury and could see his NFL draft stock jump soon.
Key took a big step forward in Wednesday’s practice by participating in live contact drills without wearing an injury jersey for the first time. Four days later, head coach Ed Orgeron indicated that Key was finally ready to return to the lineup, giving LSU yet another top-tier defender on a dominant unit.
Following a solid freshman campaign in 2015, Key emerged as a pass rushing force last year by racking up 12 sacks to set a new LSU single-season record. Key displayed a strong all-around game in addition to his superior ability to get to the quarterback by recording 14.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, capped off by a dominant performance against Heisman Trophy Lamar Jackson in the Citrus Bowl.
At 6-6, 265 pounds with long arms, plus strength and an explosive first step, Key has all the physical tools to interest every scout in the NFL. If the shoulder looks healthy upon Key’s return, look for him to quickly rise up the big board.
Key will have plenty of support when he makes his season debut on Saturday against Mississippi State, as LSU’s defense decimated BYU in the Tigers’ 27-0 win to open the season.