K’Lavon Chaisson Overview
K’Lavon Chaisson attended an LSU football camp with a friend, and was given a scholarship before setting foot on the high school field. He ended his high school career as a top 50 prospect, and made an impact at LSU as a true freshman. In 2018, Chaisson tore his ACL, effectively ending his year.
His sophomore season, he was given the #18, which is meant to signify a high character athlete. A badge of honor that Chaisson wore with pride. He had somewhat of a slow start on the stat sheet, clocking two sacks in the first nine games. The remaining six, he settled in, and went on a tear, collecting four sacks, including two in the semi final game against Oklahoma.
Strengths
Motor is through the roof. He is the definition of a speed rusher, but can give pretty good chase to screens and slant routes. Masks dropping into coverage very well. His ceiling is insane, considering he has only appeared in 24 games. The more games he plays in, and the more techniques he develops, the better his game should grow. But his football IQ is exceptionally high, considering where he is at in his career.
Weaknesses
Had a tendency to disappear in games. Although LSU played one of the toughest schedules in the country, the athletes he faces at the next level will be the best in the world. Through his first 9 games, Chaisson only registered 2 sacks. Stats do not tell the whole story, but if he does not show up in those lower level games, he will have a tough time against NFL competition. The games where he tries to out-athleticize his opponents, may work in college, but he will struggle in the NFL. I am not saying he won’t develop pass rush moves, or has not already, but that is something he will have to work on. He also tore his ACL is 2018, could be something to look out for in terms of durability.
Best Game: Oklahoma
The LSU DE was truly at his best in this game, totaling 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and flying all over the field. Produced multiple wow moments in the game. The one that tops the list in my mind, was chasing down CeeDee Lamb after a slant route. That truly showcased just how high his motor works, and how bad he wants it.
Comparison and Prediction
There is an overabundance at the OT and QB positions early on in this draft. Those positions are a serious need for teams inside the top 12. Unfortunately, K’Lavon Chaisson may find himself outside of that class. Although, he will be considered a great steal for whatever team eventually takes him.
There is a couple teams that should be the favorite to draft the LSU pass rusher, including the Bucs and Falcons. In our Student Union mock, he went at 16 to the Falcons. You can read the rest of our picks here. On the off chance he slides even further, the Cowboys or Dolphins would be overjoyed with a guy like Chaisson in the late teens.
His bend and speed around the tackles reminds me of another EDGE that went off the board last year: Josh Allen. Although Allen has two inches on Chaisson, their combination of speed and power encapsulates the perfect hybrid EDGE in today’s NFL, and should mean good things for Chaisson’s career.
You can view the rest of our NFL Draft breakdowns here.