Brandon LaFell

February 24, 2010 at 4:57 pm | Article by Justin Neff |

Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU, 6’3”, 195 lbs., 4.50 forty

Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Profile: After speculation that he would not be returning for his senior season, LaFell decided to withdraw from the 2009 NFL Draft last April and return to LSU for his final year of eligibility. Although his numbers were not quite as impressive last season, it was a smart decision on his part. His dipping numbers were not due to his lack of performance or effort, but merely because the entire Tigers offense was less productive, and quarterback Jordan Jefferson was extremely inconsistent. LSU is not exactly a pass-heavy offense as it is, so quite frankly 11 TDs last season is much more impressive than even I originally thought. His route running needs a little work to really succeed at the next level, but his size is ideal for fade routes in the red-zone as he will tower over most corners that will challenge him. In addition, he may be the best in this class at making the first defender miss after the catch, which is a talent that cannot be overlooked. Perhaps the best attribute that LaFell will bring to an NFL franchise is his toughness. He played in all 39 games since the beginning of his sophomore season, often playing through injuries, and is not afraid to leave his feet to make a difficult grab over the middle of the field.

Though his numbers aren’t anywhere need some of the other receivers in this year’s class, LaFell has the one thing you can’t teach, size. On top of that, he consistently exudes tremendous effort and has shown great flashes of potential during his tenure at LSU. He will probably fall to the early-to-mid second round and get an opportunity to contend for a starting job right away. I see him landing somewhere like Buffalo or Baltimore. If Buffalo finds a way to dump Terrell Owens and his drama, LaFell would be a great replacement in the passing game, and if he landed in Baltimore he would give young Joe Flacco a nice-sized target in the red-zone.

Post-NFL Draft Fantasy Outlook: Coming in May!

Justin Neff is a featured writer for NoOffseason.com. He covers the NFL Draft, and will write a weekly column during the 2010 NFL season.

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