Revisiting the 2020 LSU Draft Class: Where Are They Now?
The 2019 LSU Tigers football team is often hailed as one of the greatest college football teams in history. Under the leadership of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, the Tigers dominated their opponents, finished the season undefeated, and captured the national championship. Their success, however, extended beyond the college football realm as they sent a staggering 14 players to the NFL during the 2020 draft. This article takes a comprehensive look at how these talented athletes have fared in the professional ranks over the last four years.
Sullivan started his college career as a wide receiver but transitioned to tight end in his final season. The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the seventh round as the 251st overall pick. Despite being on the practice squad and serving a minimal role in 2020, Sullivan's time at Seattle was tumultuous, including experiments at both tight end and defensive end. In 2021, he signed a Futures Contract with the Carolina Panthers but spent much of his tenure on the practice squad. In the 2022 season, Sullivan contributed by catching two passes for 46 yards.
A rarity in the draft world, long snappers are seldom selected, but Ferguson bucked that trend when the Miami Dolphins took him in the sixth round. His consistent performance during 52 games at LSU laid the groundwork for his immediate success in the NFL, where he became the Dolphins' starting long snapper and signed an extension, securing his position for the foreseeable future.
Lawrence, a five-star recruit, was selected in the fourth round by the Arizona Cardinals. Although he faced several injuries during his time, including two stints on injured reserve, he started as the team's nose tackle in 2021. His career has since seen him bounce around various practice squads and rosters, assembling a record of 30 tackles and four tackles for loss, though he has not played since 2022.
4. Sadique Charles - Offensive Lineman
Drafted by Washington in the fourth round, Charles had an up-and-down career riddled with injuries. After missing the first five games of his rookie season, he played multiple roles on the offensive line throughout his tenure. Following another injury setback in 2023, he has now found himself with the Tennessee Titans.
Phillips had a promising start, being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round after leading his team in tackles the previous season. Yet, injuries plagued his journey, limiting his playtime each year. Most recently, he has signed a contract to play for the Houston Texans.
6. Lloyd Cushenberry - Center
A standout interior lineman, Cushenberry was selected by the Broncos in the third round. He made an immediate impact by starting all 16 games in his rookie season and showed resilience through injuries in subsequent years. As of 2023, he signed with the Tennessee Titans after a successful run in Denver.
Lewis’s journey to the NFL was unconventional, as he initially attended a community college due to academic challenges. Drafted by the Seahawks in the third round, Lewis quickly became a starter and earned a spot on the NFL's All-Rookie Team. After a solid career with Seattle, he has now signed with the Carolina Panthers.
8. Christian Folton - Cornerback
Folton was drafted by the Titans in the second round and demonstrated explosive potential early in his career, including a notable interception. However, injuries have limited his playtime and consistency. After a mixed bag of performances, he has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Delpit, yet another successful LSU product, fell to the Browns in the second round despite a stellar college career. Dealing with injuries during his rookie season, he bounced back impressively to make impactful contributions in 2021 and 2022. He recently signed a three-year extension with the Browns, hoping to reclaim his college form.
10. Clyde Edwards-Helaire - Running Back
Drafted as the only running back in the first round, Edwards-Helaire's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs has been tumultuous. Initially showing promise, over the years he has struggled with injuries and consistency, leading to the Chiefs declining his fifth-year option after a string of disappointing seasons.
Queen, a vital player for the Ravens, excelled since his selection in the first round. He has consistently put up strong tackle numbers and made his first Pro Bowl in 2023, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top linebackers.
12. Justin Jefferson - Wide Receiver
Considered one of the best receivers in the league, Jefferson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round and has quickly established himself as a top playmaker. With numerous receiving yards and touchdowns to his name, he has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and accolades, showcasing extraordinary talent.
Chaisson's NFL journey has been rocky since being drafted by the Jaguars. Despite starting his career with promising performances, he has claimed little success and has faced setbacks that have led to a diminished role on the team.
14. Joe Burrow - Quarterback
Earning the number one overall pick in 2020, Burrow's story is well-known. From tearing his ACL in his rookie season to reclaiming his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, he has consistently impressed fans and analysts alike, leading the Bengals through ups and downs.
The 2020 LSU draft class was monumental, showcasing both remarkable talents and unfortunate challenges. While some players like Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson have seen explosive success, others have faced injuries and inconsistencies that have altered their career trajectories. LSU's legacy as a football powerhouse is firmly intact, and the evolution of these players will continue to be a topic of intrigue in the years to come.
For fans of college and professional football, the lessons learned from the LSU draft class serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. What are your thoughts on this class? Which team or player should be examined next? Let us know in the comments below!
Part 1/10:
Revisiting the 2020 LSU Draft Class: Where Are They Now?
The 2019 LSU Tigers football team is often hailed as one of the greatest college football teams in history. Under the leadership of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, the Tigers dominated their opponents, finished the season undefeated, and captured the national championship. Their success, however, extended beyond the college football realm as they sent a staggering 14 players to the NFL during the 2020 draft. This article takes a comprehensive look at how these talented athletes have fared in the professional ranks over the last four years.
1. Steven Sullivan - Tight End/Defensive End
Part 2/10:
Sullivan started his college career as a wide receiver but transitioned to tight end in his final season. The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the seventh round as the 251st overall pick. Despite being on the practice squad and serving a minimal role in 2020, Sullivan's time at Seattle was tumultuous, including experiments at both tight end and defensive end. In 2021, he signed a Futures Contract with the Carolina Panthers but spent much of his tenure on the practice squad. In the 2022 season, Sullivan contributed by catching two passes for 46 yards.
2. Blake Ferguson - Long Snapper
Part 3/10:
A rarity in the draft world, long snappers are seldom selected, but Ferguson bucked that trend when the Miami Dolphins took him in the sixth round. His consistent performance during 52 games at LSU laid the groundwork for his immediate success in the NFL, where he became the Dolphins' starting long snapper and signed an extension, securing his position for the foreseeable future.
3. Rashard Lawrence - Defensive Tackle
Part 4/10:
Lawrence, a five-star recruit, was selected in the fourth round by the Arizona Cardinals. Although he faced several injuries during his time, including two stints on injured reserve, he started as the team's nose tackle in 2021. His career has since seen him bounce around various practice squads and rosters, assembling a record of 30 tackles and four tackles for loss, though he has not played since 2022.
4. Sadique Charles - Offensive Lineman
Drafted by Washington in the fourth round, Charles had an up-and-down career riddled with injuries. After missing the first five games of his rookie season, he played multiple roles on the offensive line throughout his tenure. Following another injury setback in 2023, he has now found himself with the Tennessee Titans.
Part 5/10:
5. Jacob Phillips - Linebacker
Phillips had a promising start, being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round after leading his team in tackles the previous season. Yet, injuries plagued his journey, limiting his playtime each year. Most recently, he has signed a contract to play for the Houston Texans.
6. Lloyd Cushenberry - Center
A standout interior lineman, Cushenberry was selected by the Broncos in the third round. He made an immediate impact by starting all 16 games in his rookie season and showed resilience through injuries in subsequent years. As of 2023, he signed with the Tennessee Titans after a successful run in Denver.
7. Damien Lewis - Guard
Part 6/10:
Lewis’s journey to the NFL was unconventional, as he initially attended a community college due to academic challenges. Drafted by the Seahawks in the third round, Lewis quickly became a starter and earned a spot on the NFL's All-Rookie Team. After a solid career with Seattle, he has now signed with the Carolina Panthers.
8. Christian Folton - Cornerback
Folton was drafted by the Titans in the second round and demonstrated explosive potential early in his career, including a notable interception. However, injuries have limited his playtime and consistency. After a mixed bag of performances, he has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
9. Grant Delpit - Safety
Part 7/10:
Delpit, yet another successful LSU product, fell to the Browns in the second round despite a stellar college career. Dealing with injuries during his rookie season, he bounced back impressively to make impactful contributions in 2021 and 2022. He recently signed a three-year extension with the Browns, hoping to reclaim his college form.
10. Clyde Edwards-Helaire - Running Back
Drafted as the only running back in the first round, Edwards-Helaire's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs has been tumultuous. Initially showing promise, over the years he has struggled with injuries and consistency, leading to the Chiefs declining his fifth-year option after a string of disappointing seasons.
11. Patrick Queen - Linebacker
Part 8/10:
Queen, a vital player for the Ravens, excelled since his selection in the first round. He has consistently put up strong tackle numbers and made his first Pro Bowl in 2023, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top linebackers.
12. Justin Jefferson - Wide Receiver
Considered one of the best receivers in the league, Jefferson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round and has quickly established himself as a top playmaker. With numerous receiving yards and touchdowns to his name, he has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and accolades, showcasing extraordinary talent.
13. K'Lavon Chaisson - Linebacker
Part 9/10:
Chaisson's NFL journey has been rocky since being drafted by the Jaguars. Despite starting his career with promising performances, he has claimed little success and has faced setbacks that have led to a diminished role on the team.
14. Joe Burrow - Quarterback
Earning the number one overall pick in 2020, Burrow's story is well-known. From tearing his ACL in his rookie season to reclaiming his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, he has consistently impressed fans and analysts alike, leading the Bengals through ups and downs.
Conclusion
Part 10/10:
The 2020 LSU draft class was monumental, showcasing both remarkable talents and unfortunate challenges. While some players like Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson have seen explosive success, others have faced injuries and inconsistencies that have altered their career trajectories. LSU's legacy as a football powerhouse is firmly intact, and the evolution of these players will continue to be a topic of intrigue in the years to come.
For fans of college and professional football, the lessons learned from the LSU draft class serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. What are your thoughts on this class? Which team or player should be examined next? Let us know in the comments below!