Arden Key Declares for the NFL Draft

Surprising absolutely no one, Arden Key made the obvious official today, and declared for the NFL Draft via his twitter.

Arden Key struggled through injuries in his final season at LSU, but hopefully, as time passes, the memory of him will be that of one of the single best pass rushers in school history. LSU has been a bit cursed recently when it comes to the final seasons of great players, as Fournette, Guice, and Key all struggled with injuries in their junior years.

What should have been a year long coming out party was instead a frustrating series of missteps as Key could never get entirely healthy and be the terrifying player he can be when at 100 percent. Today, let’s celebrate that player.

Arden Key leaves the program holding the school record for most sacks in a season. His 12 sacks in 2016 stand as the all-time LSU mark, and he recorded his twelfth sack on a safety of Lamar Jackson.

He finishes his career with 21 sacks, tied with Gabe Northern for third all-time on the career LSU sack leaders list. Rydell Melancon’s record of 25 sacks is still safe.

Arden Key is projected as a high first round pick, though his disappointing junior season might have cost him the top ten. If he falls out of the top ten, some NFL team will be getting themselves an absolute steal. Pass rushers are at a premium in the NFL, and Arden Key is an elite pass rusher when healthy.

LSU has spent decades trying to find an elite pass rushers, and the staff finally found one in Arden Key. He is the best LSU pass rusher of this century, and he is poised to go on to an even more successful NFL career.

Geaux Tigers. And best of luck to Arden Key in the NFL.