LSU has 8 defensive players selected in NFL draft

LSU opponents often felt as if they were playing an NFL defense when they faced the Tigers.

Turns out, they weren't wrong.

The Tigers had eight defensive players selected during the three-day, seven-round NFL draft.

LSU defenders started coming off the board Thursday in the first round when outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo went No. 6 to Cleveland; safety Eric Reid also went in the first round, No. 18 to San Francisco.

Four more LSU defensive players went Friday night in the second and third rounds, including defensive back Tyrann Mathieu to Arizona. Mathieu sat out last season after failing multiple drug tests.

Also taken Friday were: linebacker Kevin Minter (Cardinals); defensive tackle Bennie Logan (Eagles) and defensive end Sam Montgomery (Texans).

In Saturday's fifth round, cornerback Tharold Simon (Seattle) and defensive end Lavard Edwards (Tennessee) went in the fifth round.

Edwards was the only senior among the group.

LSU allowed an average of 307 yards per game last season, only good enough for third in the Southeastern Conference, though one of the best marks in the country.

It wasn't all good times for the former LSU players. Simon had some legal troubles during the draft.

He was arrested in his hometown of Eunice, La., Thursday night on charges of public intimidation, resisting an officer and a noise violation. He was released on bond. His agent, Peter Schaffer, said he is certain Simon acted appropriately and will be exonerated.

Running back Spencer Ware from LSU also was selected in the sixth round by Seattle to give LSU a school-record nine players taken in the draft.