LSU’s pro day wrapped up today as 16 Tigers took place in multiple drills throughout the day as it marks their final chance to showcase their skills in front of several NFL scouts around the league. The top performers of the day were Mekhi Garner, Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Jay Ward. The pro day activities got underway at 10 a.m. as players went through player measurements that were followed by on-field testing. Tigers going into this year’s draft class had the opportunity to test their skills in the day-long event after nine of them were invited to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Check out below who won the day at LSU’s pro day:
Jarrick Bernard-Converse:
LSU CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (24) – Melina Myers, USA Today Sports
Bernard-Converse wasn’t invited to Indianapolis to participate in the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, but he used every opportunity to shine during LSU’s pro day. During the pro day, Bernard-Converse was able to post a 4.40 40-yard dash in front of various NFL scouts. He also measured in a 42-inch vertical, which would have tied for the third-highest at the NFL Combine, regardless of the position.
Other notable measurements throughout the day for Bernard-Converse were that he posted a 7.01 in the three-cone drill and a 4.28 in the 20-yard shuttle. He has been able to use the off time to train for today’s pro day and he was able to impress. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to LSU fans, as he had a remarkable debut season for the Tigers in 2022. He spent the first four seasons of his collegiate career at Oklahoma State before transferring to LSU before the start of the 2022 season.
In 2022, Bernard-Converse posted 45 total tackles (30 solo tackles), one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and three passes defended. The Shreveport, Louisiana native was able to cap off a successful collegiate career and he has a bright future at the next level with a successful showing today.
Mekhi Garner:
LSU CB Mekhi Garner (2) – Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images
Garner came into today’s pro day determined as he topped amongst the 16 Tigers participating today in the three-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle. He posted a 4.28 in the 20-yard shuttle and a 6.88 in the three-cone drill. Other notable measurements for Garner on the day are that he measured in a 38.5-inch vertical jump and had 12 reps on the bench press.
The star cornerback would be able to use the momentum that he had from a good showing in Indianapolis as he ran an official 4.55 40-yard dash and he had a 10-yard split of 1.54 seconds. He has shown both at the NFL Scouting Combine and LSU’s pro day that he is one of the most physically impressive cornerbacks in this year’s draft class.
Garner was one of the leaders for LSU’s secondary during the 2022 season and like Bernard-Converse, he was a key transfer in the offseason. He would join the Tigers in January of 2022 after spending four seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette. During the 2022 season, Garner posted 43 total tackles (26 solo tackles) and four passes defended. He has shown throughout his collegiate career that he has the ability to play either man or zone coverage. Garner provides a physical presence at the cornerback position and he has plus-level closing speed.
Jay Ward:
LSU S Jay Ward (5) – Gerald Herbert/AP Photo
Ward also posted impressive numbers at LSU’s pro day as he led the way for the Tigers in the broad jump. He would post an 11’1″ broad jump that had scouts in attendance in attention. Other notable measurements for Ward during the day were that he measured in a 36-inch vertical jump, posted a 7.31 in the three-cone drill, and a 4.36 in the 20-yard shuttle.
Like Garner, Ward was able to continue climbing up the draft boards with consecutive good showings at the NFL Scouting Combine and LSU’s Pro Day. Ward chose not to participate in the 40-yard dash and he posted an impressive 4.55 40-yard dash at Indianapolis.
The Moultrie, Georgia native was impressive during his collegiate career at LSU as he played at multiple positions in the secondary. Ward showed his versatility as he had reps at safety, cornerback, and nickel back during his LSU career. Throughout his time with the Tigers, Ward recorded 164 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and six interceptions. In 2022, Ward registered 60 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He would be named as the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Mississippi State as he recorded a career-best 11 tackles in the win over the Bulldogs.
