Examining if 2024 LSU defense can make up for NFL Draft losses on offense

Despite having one of the worst defenses in the country this past season, LSU got by thanks to the nation’s No. 1 offense. However, the Tigers aren’t likely to have that luxury again in 2024.

Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels is gone to the NFL, as are 1,000-yard receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. It would only be reasonable to expect LSU to take a step back even if it feels confident in Garrett Nussmeier to take over.

Shea Dixon of The Bengal Tiger joined On3‘s Andy Staples to discuss the losses for the offense as well as what LSU has done to reload.

“It’s like what we had to preach post-2019,” he said. “I think they’re set up a bit better right now than they were post-2019, but it was ‘you’re not going to have the No. 1 offense again.’ It just doesn’t work that way. You had a No. 1 or 2 pick here at quarterback in Jayden Daniels, a Heisman winner. Then, as you noted, these receivers. Are they able to replicate enough to not fall backwards out of the top 10 or top 15 in total offense?

“Only two guys hit the portal that were 1,000-yard receivers and double-digit touchdowns from a year ago. Liberty’s CJ Daniels, who was on one of the best offenses in the country, he transfers to LSU. So LSU loses only 11 guys last year. Am I saying CJ Daniels coming from Liberty will replicate those stats from the jump from playing at a Liberty to playing in the SEC week in and week out or does he have that first-round pick label that these two guys carry? I’m not saying that right now. I’m just saying that was a massive add out of the portal to at least soften the blow.”

It’s clear that the defense will have to play much better this upcoming season for LSU to find success. Even with the No. 1 offense, the Tigers finished 10-3 this past year as their defense ranked 108th overall.

Coach Brian Kelly completely revamped his defensive staff in search of better results, cleaning house and bringing on all new assistants. He brought on former LSU linebacker coach Blake Baker as defensive coordinator, as well as Tiger alums Bo Davis and Corey Raymond.

Dixon believes those connections not only show a willingness to improve but also get back to LSU’s roots.

“When you look at what he was able to do in a very short span, you get Bo Davis, who was an LSU grad, back from Texas,” he said. “He’s one of those guys that it was rumored every year and it never came to fruition. Now he’s back as the D-line coach and hopefully puts a stop to this turnover they’ve had there. Corey Raymond, one of the names who was synonymous with LSU defensive backs is back. Then you’ve got Blake Baker, one of the young and up-and-coming DCs. He went to Tulane. He was at LA Tech forever. He knows Louisiana.

“So I don’t think you could’ve drawn up a better plan for saying, ‘OK we’re wiping the slate clean. What are you answers for it, Brian Kelly?’ These aren’t a bunch of old Notre Dame coaches or anything like that. They hired what fits LSU best and I think that is something that’s gonna be the storyline of the offseason. How far can those coaches take this defense?”

Ultimately, it won’t take a massive improvement for LSU to have a chance at playing in the postseason, especially with the expanded 12-team format. Dixon pointed out that even an average defense this past season would have made the Tigers a contender.

But especially with so many big losses on offense, making at least some steps in the right direction on defense is a must for LSU.

“If they would’ve had the No. 40 defense instead, you’re playing in the Playoffs,” Dixson said. “You’re maybe competing for a national championship. Nobody was stopping LSU’s offense. The defense was just so poor that it resulted in letting go of that entire staff just two years into the Brian Kelly regime.

“…I don’t think the offense falls off all that much. If it can stay in the top 20, awesome. That puts you right in the mix. The defense, if you can just cut that in half and get into the 60s, you’re in way better shape. Finding that blend is what’s really key to this year.”