2018 NFL Draft Profiles: Arden Key
- Tyler Webb
- Jun 22, 2017
- 2 min read
Arden Key, Outside Linebacker, LSU
6’6, 238 Lbs, Junior, 4.6 40 Yard
LSU might not have all the rings that Alabama does, but they doesn’t reflect the talent that LSU brings to the NFL every year. Arden Key is the next great LSU defensive prospect, and is the best defensive player to come off the board in the 2018 NFL draft. Former NFL players that have scouted both Myles Garrett and Arden Key say that Key is “on another level than Garrett”, which makes the hype for Key through the roof. In his high school career, Arden Key recorded over 35 sacks in 3 years, and earned himself a 4 star rating by multiple media outlets. Coming out of the 2015 high school class, Key was the 4th best weak side defensive end in the country, and the 9th best player in the state of Georgia, according to 247Sports.com. His freshman year at LSU saw him play in 12 games, recording 41 total tackles with 5 sacks. Last season Key doubled his sack numbers (11) and played in one less game for the tigers as well.
Arden Key is lengthy, fast, and knows how to play his position. His arms are long, making it very hard for tackles to grip his pads and hold a block on him. Without a doubt his best skill is how well he sheds his blocks, or just the fact the he does not get blocked. Watching his tape, you’ll see that his first step is so fast that the battle is normally over by his second step. His relentless nature puts him above every other edge rusher in the draft, and does not turn off his motor until he is the person ending the play. Arden Key did take a minor leave from football, and some want to question his love for football. When you watch his tape, and highlights you see a man that loves to help his team get a win. I dont know the reasoning behind his leave from football, but I can surely say it wasn't because he lacked an interest in football.
Possible Landing Spots: Top 5
Chicago Bears - Chicago is always known for a smash mouth defense, and currently have nothing close to it. Key would bring pressure in a division filled with talented quarterbacks.
Los Angeles Rams - The Rams have plenty of holes on their roster, and with most likely a top 5 selection, Key provides the best value outside the quarterback position. Detroit Lions - I do not think the Lions will be bad enough to get Key, but they could be close enough to trade up for him. The Lions lack a pass rush in a division that loves to sling the ball.
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