Tiger Tangents | More LSU Tigers Headed to NFL

In what's become a rite of spring in recent years, the LSU Tigers send another crop of former players to replenish the NFL talent pool. Leading the way was defensive end Tyson Jackson who was drafted third overall by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs who made NFL'ers out of WR Dwayne Bowe and DT Glenn Dorsey the past two seasons have now taken an LSU Tiger with their last three first round draft picks.

Jackson will try to aid in the Chiefs rebuilding project which has focused primarily on the line in the last few years. They've even changed schemes going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 this season.

The Chiefs have helped make LSU history as Tyson Jackson is the third player in as many years to go top five for the Tigers. Dorsey was a top five pick last season and the Raiders picked QB JaMarcus Russell first overall in 2007.

Of all the Tigers drafted this season, Jackson seems to have the best pro career in front of him. He has the tools, size, and drive to be a solid defensive player for years to come. Jackson has a great first step and the quickness of an accomplished pass rusher but the fundamentals, strength, and presence to stop the run. He's the ideal strong side end.

It took a while for more Tigers to come off the board but but they came in bunches at the end of the draft. Two other Tigers who could have solid pro careers are fullback Quinn Johnson and OL Herman Johnson who both went in the fifth round.

Quinn Johnson is a battering ram in the backfield who should fit in nicely in Green Bay, while the 6'7" 370 lb Big Herm will get a chance to join the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals where he'll join former Tiger WR Early Doucet who was drafted by the Cards a year ago.

Speaking of heading out west, the rest of the Tiger draftees did just that. Safety Curtis Taylor was selected in the seventh by the San Francisco 49ers. Joining Curtis in San Francisco was junior DE/DT Ricky Jean Francois who was picked towards the end of the draft.

WR Demetrius Byrd was taken in the seventh round as well by the Chargers despite being in a serious car accident just a week ago. D-Byrd is expected to make a full recovery and will join fellow Tiger WR Craig Buster Davis in San Diego.

Many Tigers also signed free agent contracts today as well. Ending up in San Diego with Byrd is linebacker and Baton Rouge native Darry Beckwith. Marlon "Big Fave" Favorite brings his services and lyrical skills to the Carolina Panthers.

Defensive end Tremaine Johnson signed with the Minnesota Vikings making him the third Tiger named Johnson to find his way to the NFL in the past 48 hours.

The Tigers sent yet another DE to an NFL team when Kirston Pittman signed with the St. Louis Rams. Finally, center Brett Helms landed in Houston to help beef up the Texans' offensive line making him the 11th Tiger to end up in the NFL after this past NFL Draft weekend.

Former Tiger                            New Team

DE Tyson Jackson                     Kansas City Chiefs

FB Quinn Johnson                     Green Bay Packers

OG Herman Johnson                  Arizona Cardinals

FS Curtis Taylor                       San Francisco 49ers

WR Demetrius Byrd                   San Diego Chargers

DE Ricky Jean Francois              San Francisco 49ers

LB Darry Beckwith                    San Diego Chargers

DT Marlon Favorite                   Carolina Panthers

C Brett Helms                          Houston Texans

DE Tremaine Johnson                Minnesota Vikings

DE Kirston Pittman                    St. Louis Rams