LSU Football 2016 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

After a tumultuous fall that nearly saw Les Miles canned at LSU, the Tigers get to celebrate this week, as a slew of players from Deion Jones to Jalen Mills are expected to be selected in the NFL draft.

Jones is the prize of LSU's class, but anywhere from four to seven players could be drafted by the time the weekend draws to a close.

We'll keep you up to date and track each LSU player as they're selected with analysis on how they'll translate to the NFL and how they'll be replaced at Death Valley.

Stay plugged into the following slides to track each LSU player selected in this weekend's draft.

Note: All draft projections are based on Matt Miller's NFL Draft 400 series unless otherwise noted. 

Deion Jones, OLB

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Drafted: Second round, 21st pick, Atlanta Falcons

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 222 lbs

Analysis:

One of LSU's elite defensive playmakers this past year, Deion Jones' ball-hawking ability has scouts hoping they can scoop him up on the second day or early in the third day of the draft.

The biggest knock on Jones is that he started just one year at LSU, but he served as a captain in 2015 and was always a consistent part of an elite rotation. Jones may have some growing pains early as he adapts to NFL strength levels, but he possesses the instincts you want in a linebacker.

The 4-3 base defense of the Atlanta Falcons should allow Jones the adequate learning curve as he transitions to the NFL, and his explosive athleticism should bode well with his new squad. 

Replacement:

Seniors Corey Thompson and Duke Riley are poised to fill the void that Jones will leave along the outside edge, per the Advocate. According to Saturday Down South, the Tigers have just seven scholarship players at the four linebacker positions, so depth is a concern this offseason.

Jerald Hawkins, OT

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Drafted: Fourth round, 25th pick, Pittsburgh Steelers

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 305 lbs

Analysis:

Jerald Hawkins, La'el Collins' replacement at left tackle in 2015, spent the previous two seasons at right tackle for the Tigers. His tall yet lean frame gives him the mobility to keep edge-rushers outside the pocket, and he's proven to be a versatile piece on the front line. Hawkins will need to refine his technique as he elevates to the NFL, but that's an issue that can be worked out in training camp.

Hawkins fell to the fourth round to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team tied for 18th in the league with 33 sacks allowed. Pittsburgh quarterbacks struggled to stay healthy last year, particularly Ben Roethlisberger, so the Steelers undoubtedly wanted to reinforce its line. That makes Hawkins a potential steal for an AFC playoff team a year ago. 

Replacement:

Hawkins and fellow tackle Vadal Alexander are both headed to the NFL, so the Tigers will have to replace both tackles. K.J. Malone was listed as Hawkins' primary backup last year, and the sophomore could slide into the starting role this fall.

Rashard Robinson, CB

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Drafted: Fourth round, 35th pick, San Francisco 49ers

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 171 lbs

Analysis:

After sitting out the entire 2015 season after essentially being kicked off the LSU squad, Rashard Robinson is a high-upside prospect with plenty of baggage.

His off-field issues were enough to keep him, well, off the field last year. He made just eight starts over two years at LSU and appeared in only 20 games, but the early entry showed plenty of promise in the playing time he did receive.

The 49ers were 27th in the NFL against the pass last year, so Robinson could be a cheap plug to help solve that problem. Again, his behavior issues will be the ultimate factor in Robinson's Sunday fate. Chip Kelly, Robinson's new head coach, had a tumultuous time in Philly that led to a lot of off-field drama. If Kelly can get it right in his second go-around, perhaps that'll permeate to Robinson. 

Replacement:

Robinson's departure was essentially addressed at the start of last year, as he was never formally reinstated to the team and didn't appear in a game in 2015. On the field, his presence will literally not be missed from 2015 to 2016.

Jalen Mills, CB/FS

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Drafted: Seventh round, 12th pick, Philadelphia Eagles

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 191 lbs

Analysis:

A hybrid cornerback and safety, Jalen Mills was a stat-stuffer at LSU. Through his myriad of roles, Mills racked up six interceptions, four sacks, eight tackles for loss and 11 broken-up passes during his tenure at LSU.

However, there's one blemish. In June 2014, Mills was charged with second-degree battery, a felony. That's a big character flaw to overcome, but his skill set should be enough to earn him an opportunity in the NFL.

One of the biggest slides of the entire NFL draft, Mills wasn't picked up until the seventh round by the Eagles. Philly ranked 28th in the league last year in pass defense, so Mills could end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft. However, why he fell so late is nonetheless disconcerting.  

Replacement: 

The Tigers have as much depth in the secondary as perhaps any team in the SEC. At corner, the Tigers will be anchored by Tre’Davious White, a Thorpe Award semifinalist last year. At safety, per SEC Country, Jamal Adams and Rickey Jefferson, the latter the younger brother of quarterback Jordan Jefferson, will likely platoon the role.

Vadal Alexander, OG

Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: Seventh round, 13th pick, Oakland Raiders

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 326 lbs

Analysis:

A captain on last year's LSU front line, Vadal Alexander has plenty of experience on the right side with over 20 starts at both guard and tackle. His towering 6'5" frame gives scouts enticing length and size.

Running back Jeremy Hill certainly had fun running behind Alexander and Co. Per Matt Miller, Alexander has struggled to maintain a proper playing weight, nearly reaching 350 pounds at one point. If an NFL regimen can instill some discipline in Alexander, he may be a mid-round steal along the line.

Like teammate Jalen Mills, Alexander fell deeper in the draft than expected before the Raiders scooped him up. Most seventh round picks battle roster cuts during training camp, and there are concerns about discipline. First impressions are everything, so how Alexander shows up to work this offseason will be a big factor in deciding whether the Raiders got a steal or a washout. 

Replacement:

According to Saturday Down South, Toby Weathersby looks to be the primary replacement at right tackle for last year's co-offensive MVP at LSU.