2008 NFL Draft Bad Decision: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU Stays in School

A look at the 2007 junior class as players decide whether to enter the 2008 NFL draft.

LSU got some good news when three defensive starters, most notably defensive end Tyson Jackson, announced that they will return to school in 2008 rather than enter the NFL draft.

In Jackson's case, I think it's a mistake. As a 6-foot-5, 292-pounder who's capable of playing end in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense, he looks to me like a guy who would be a first-round pick. Although Jackson doesn't have the speed of a Julius Peppers or a Mario Williams, he's got a quick first step. He looks to me like the kind of player Bill Parcells loves, and therefore if he didn't go in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, I think the Dolphins' second-round pick, 32nd overall, is about the lowest Jackson would go.

Jackson was actually better as a sophomore than he was as a junior, and he may want to prove himself with a solid senior season. But his senior season won't be as easy, in large part because the absence of Glenn Dorsey means he'll face more double teams. I think now is the time for Jackson to turn pro, and he won't improve his draft position in 2008.

See the full list of 2008 NFL draft early entries.