LSU Tigers

Joe Burrow, QB (1 overall, Bengals)

The Replacement: Myles Brennan

Myles Brennan waited three years for his chance – he even preceded Burrow in Baton Rouge – and told 247Sports in January, this is “what I’ve been waiting for.” Brennan ranked as the No. 152 overall prospect in the 2017 class, and he’s tutored under offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger the last three years. Given LSU’s deep stable of skill players, expect Brennan to find immediate success. It’s a stretch to expect Brennan to match Burrow’s production. But LSU would be thrilled if Brennan could manage 80 percent of it.

K’Lavon Chaisson, LB (20, Jaguars)

The Replacement: Jabril Cox

This isn’t a natural transition. Chaisson is best as a pure pass rusher in a 3-4 system while Cox is more of a modern off-ball linebacker. Either way, Cox can help make up for Chaisson’s absence. The FCS All-American transferred from North Dakota State earlier this year, and he brings 258 career tackles, 32 tackles for loss and six interceptions with him. Cox will be an ideal outside linebacker in Bo Pelini’s 4-3 system, helping to anchor a linebacker unit that must replace four starters. Also watch out for Marcel Books, probably the more natural pass rusher of the two, at the other outside linebacker spot.

Justin Jefferson, WR (22, Vikings)

The Replacement: Trey Palmer

Palmer has some of the traits that made Jefferson a dynamic slot weapon. The sophomore-to-be is a dangerous open-field treat with impressive run-after-the-catch ability. Like Jefferson, his frame (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) isn’t imposing, but he makes up for it with speed (4.51-second 40) and fluidity as a route runner. It’s worth wondering how Palmer will look in Year 2 at LSU after making the jump from Division 1-A in Louisiana. Look for five-star freshman tight end Arik Gilbert to take some of these targets, too.

Patrick Queen, LB (28, Ravens)

The Replacement: Damone Clark

The rising junior had a really nice 2018 season as a rotation piece, posting 50 tackles, four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during LSU’s national title run. Clark, a former four-star prospect, has already drawn positive reviews from Pelini: “I am really excited about him.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB (32, Chiefs)

The Replacement: Committee

This might seem like a cop-out answer, but it’s the truth. Nobody on LSU’s roster can replace everything Edwards-Helaire did for the Tigers. LSU will utilize a running-back-by-committee approach with sophomores Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery along with junior Chris Curry.

“The toughest thing to replicate is what Edwards-Helaire did in 2019,” Geaux247’s Shea Dixon said. “He was always on point as a runner, pass catcher and pass blocker. He made Burrow’s life that much easier. The good news is LSU has a trio of returning backs who are all talented. But it’s likely going to take all three of them to match the versatility Edwards-Helaire brought to the offense.”