DJ Pickett arrived in Baton Rouge with the kind of expectations that follow a five-star cornerback recruit everywhere he goes. The LSU Tigers’ 6’5″ defensive back is already making believers out of everyone watching, from his head coach to ESPN’s top analysts. When Kirk Herbstreit boldly predicts your NFL destination after just one college game, you know you’re witnessing something special.
Why Is Kirk Herbstreit Already Predicting DJ Pickett’s NFL Draft Landing Spot?
Pickett stands out as one of the most talked-about names in college football for good reason. Last December, he committed to Brian Kelly’s LSU program over the Miami Hurricanes and Oregon Ducks. After enrolling early and diving straight into LSU’s first offseason under Kelly, the Florida native has quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts in his freshman campaign with the Bayou Bengals.
At 6’5″ and 195 pounds, Pickett’s physical attributes have lit up social media. However, what’s turning heads is his on-field performance, which backs up all the hype. In LSU’s season opener against Clemson, Pickett played over 20 defensive snaps. Despite being targeted once, he didn’t allow a single reception, helping the Tigers secure a 17-10 victory.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed, especially by ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, who, during a recent episode, made a bold prediction about Pickett’s NFL future.
“And in three years, NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select DJ Pickett, LSU. Guaranteed.”
This prediction gains even more weight considering Kelly compared Pickett to Kyle Hamilton, one of the best defensive players he’s ever coached during his time with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
How Does Pickett’s Elite Pedigree Set Him Apart From Other Recruits?
Kelly saw the same rare potential in Pickett that made Hamilton a two-time first-team All-American and a Pro Bowl selection in the NFL. Hamilton, a 6’4″ safety, was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, where he has already earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023.
Pickett’s credentials as a consensus five-star recruit speak volumes about his talent level. He’s ranked the nation’s No. 1 cornerback by On3 and Rivals, No. 2 by ESPN and 247Sports, and No. 10 overall in the On3 composite rankings.
During his high school career, the five-star cornerback recorded 94 tackles and 10 interceptions. He was also a dual-threat on offense, catching 130 passes for 2,577 yards and 25 touchdowns. His track speed, including a 10.7-second 100-meter dash, only adds to his elite athletic profile.
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As the nephew of former NFL defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, DJ clearly comes from a legacy of football excellence. That bloodline, combined with his own exceptional abilities, creates a unique foundation for success.
In his first season with the Tigers, Pickett is making waves in the secondary, where he’s already become a key part of the defensive backfield alongside Mansoor Delane and PJ Woodland. With such immense talent and a future already generating NFL buzz, DJ Pickett represents exactly what LSU fans hoped for when Kelly took over the program.
