Seven contributors to LSU’s national championship season were drafted this past weekend in the annual NFL Draft.
Michael Clayton was the first LSU player taken. Clayton was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers first round (15th overall) draft choice.
“We are very excited about our first round selection Michael Clayton,” said Buccaneers coach John Gruden. “[Clayton is] a big, physical wide receiver that basically has done everything at LSU on a national championship team. He has held on extra points and field goals, he’s run down and covered kicks, and he has played free safety in the Cotton Bowl. But, he’s here in Tampa to play wide receiver. We are very excited about adding a man of this character. A team captain at LSU and a very exciting prospect.”
Clayton becomes the second consecutive first round draft choice by the Buccaneers to come from LSU. In 1999 the Bucs selected defensive tackle Anthony McFarland. Since 1999 the Bucs have not had a first round draft choice.
“Some of our coaches felt Michael Clayton was a good as wide receiver as there was in this draft,” Gruden said.
LSU head coach Nick Saban said he was worried prior to the draft that some teams would lose focus of what Clayton brings to the football field.
“The only thing that bothered me or scared me was I’ve been in so many draft rooms for six years,” Saban said. “Sometimes by the time the draft comes, you forget how good a football player somebody is and what a great competitor they are and think about how fast they run or how high they jump. Those guys who workout good all the sudden move up and sometimes a guy gets penalized for being what he should be — a great competitor and a great football player, which Michael Clayton has been here.”
Devery Henderson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (50th overall). Henderson’s selection at 50th overall marked the first time in LSU history that two wide receivers were drafted in the Top 50 picks.
“I really think he’s a good player,” said Saints Director of Player Personnel Rick Mueller. “He really has explosive speed. He’s a raw player, but he has a lot of upside. He’s explosive off the line of scrimmage. I think he’s hungry, and I think he’ll come in here with a little chip on his shoulder, which we like, too.”
Henderson said it will be exciting to play so close to home.
“It’s exciting going to the next level and being able to stay home,” Henderson said. “You can’t ask for anything better.”
Marquise Hill was the third LSU player selected on Saturday. Hill was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (63rd overall) and will reunite with former LSU players Jarvis Green, Rohan Davey and Kevin Faulk in New England.
“I thought I’d be a late first-round, early second-round type of guy,” Hill said. “Football is like a second identity for me, so I knew I was just ready to get back to playing football again. The rounds and stuff, that’s irrelevant. They won’t remember what round you went in when you’re out there playing well.”
Offensive guard Stephen Peterman was the final LSU player drafted on day one. Peterson was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (83rd overall).
The drafting of Peterman marked the second consecutive year in which the Cowboys have selected an LSU player. Last year the Cowboys selected linebacker Bradie James in the fourth round.
Defensive tackle Chad Lavalais was the fifth round pick by the Atlanta Falcons (142nd overall).
Lavalais anchored the Tigers top-ranked defense in 2003, recording seven sacks and 16 tackles for losses. He was also named the National Defensive Player of the Year by the Sporting News.
Punter Donnie Jones was the first of two players drafted in the seventh round. Jones was selected 224th overall by the Seattle Seahawks whereas Matt Mauck was drafted by the Denver Broncos (225th overall).