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2020 NFL Draft Player Profiles: LSU EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.

#18 K’Lavon Chaisson/ EDGE/LSU – 6’3 254

The Good

  • Explosive with loose hips and excellent movement skills
  • Well built, well developed edge prospect with thickness throughout frame
  • Has the speed to bend the edge and get to the quarterback, threat every rep
  • His inside counter off of his speed move is very effective
  • Can surprise some tackles with a strong bull rush
  • Holds up well and fights to control the edge on run plays
  • Isn’t just a gimmick when he drops into coverage, legitimate skills
  • Does a good job of keeping himself clean and working to the football on run plays
  • Incredibly high-energy hustle player despite his physical skills
  • Shows multiple pass rushing moves that show he’s working on his craft

The Bad

  • Arm length was shorter than desired at the Combine
  • Lacks the ability to turn speed into power in his pass rush
  • Did not have a great year statistically
  • Too easy to block on his speed rush
  • Does not consistently turn the corner, despite his speed
  • Is not a one-note pass rusher, but it’s close
  • Shows good strength in run game but doesn’t translate to pass rush; concerning

Bio

  • Team captain as a redshirt sophomore in 2019
  • MVP of the CFP Semifinal vs Oklahoma
  • Academic honor roll for three straight seasons
  • 2017 All-SEC Freshman team, 2019 All-SEC (AP)
  • Very young in football with only four full years of playing experience (HS and College)

Tape Breakdown

There are very few times that I am personally willing to bet on “upside” when it comes to college football players.