For only the third time in LSU history, a Tiger football star has been selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
As long expected, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the top pick in Thursday night’s NFL Draft. Burrow becomes the third LSU star to be taken with the top overall pick following Jamarcus Russell (2007) and the late Billy Cannon (1960).
Burrow is the 22nd Heisman Trophy winner to be taken with the top pick in the NFL Draft. Burrow is also the third straight No. 1 pick who was a transfer. Burrow began his career at Ohio State, 2019 top pick Kyler Murray began at Texas A&M before finishing at Oklahoma and 2018 top selection Baker Mayfield went from Texas Tech to Oklahoma.
Burrow rewrote the LSU, Southeastern Conference and NCAA record books this past season as he helped guide the Tigers to a 15-0 record and the program’s fourth national championship.
Burrow threw for a SEC single-season record 5,671 yards with a FBS record 60 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions while completing 76.3 percent of his passes. The Ohio native also rushed for 368 yards and 5 touchdowns. Burrow’s 65 total touchdowns this past season was also a new NCAA record.
Burrow also set the NCAA bowl record 8 touchdowns in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win over Oklahoma, and the College Football Playoff Championship record with 521 yards against Clemson.
Burrow is the Bengals’ fourth No. 1 draft pick following quarterback Carson Palmer (2003), running back Ki-Jana Carter (1995) and defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson (1994).
Burrow kicked off the LSU selections on what proved to be a historic night for the Tigers as five players were drafted in the first round — a new program record. Below are the other four first-round LSU draft picks.
K’Lavon Chaisson, No. 20, Jacksonville Jaguars
The 6-foot-4, 280-pound edge rusher recovered from a devastating injury in the 2018 season opener against Miami to become a force for the Tigers in 2019. Chaisson earned first team All-Southeastern Conference honors after recording a team-high 13.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks.
Justin Jefferson, No. 22, Minnesota Vikings
The 6-foot-3, 192-pound wide receiver was Joe Burrow’s favorite target over the past two seasons. Jefferson recorded 165 receptions for 2,415 yards and 24 touchdowns in the past two seasons and was known for coming up with catches in the biggest games.
Patrick Queen, No. 28, Baltimore Ravens
The 6-foot-1, 227-pound inside linebacker had a breakout season for the Tigers. Queen recorded 85 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks but was also good in coverage recording 3 pass deflections. Named the College Football Playoff National Championship Game Defensive MVP.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, No. 32, Kansas City Chiefs
The 5-foot-8, 190-pound all-purpose running back is taking his talents to the defending Super Bowl champions. Edwards-Helaire, who earned first team All-SEC honors last season, rushed for 1,414 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, while scoring 16 rushing touchdowns in 2019. Edwards-Helaire also added 55 receptions for 453 yards and one touchdown.