Devy Diamonds: Kyren Lacy, Wide Receiver, LSU
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Kyren Lacy was a four-star prospect out of Thibodaux High School in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He had six offers before committing to Louisiana Rajin Cajuns in 2020. Lacy entered the transfer portal in January of 2022, and in less than a week he had committed to LSU.
During his first two seasons with the Rajin Cajuns Lacy, he caught 50 of 90 targets for 668 yards. Through 25 games played, he had 10 total touchdowns.
He transferred to LSU for his junior season. In his first year as a Tiger he 64.8 percent of his targets for 268 yards. He increased his catch rate to 68 percent during his redshirt junior season. Additionally, he had 558 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
2024 Outlook: What to Expect
Lacy has patiently waited for his opportunity. This season there is no Malik Nabers (now New York Giant) or Brian Thomas Jr. (now Jacksonville Jaguar) to take targets from him. There are other receivers of course, but Lacy will enter the season as the most experienced receiver for the LSU offense. He is poised to have a significant impact on LSU. His combination of physicality and reliable hands will remind people of Nabers. Plus, like Nabers, Lacy can gain yards after the catch creating an ideal playmaker for the offense. His versatility and strong route-running will provide quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with a dependable and dynamic target. The chemistry between Lacy and Nussmeier will be vital. Their connection can enhance the offensive rhythm and efficiency. If they develop a strong rapport, Lacy’s presence on the field could be a game-changer. LSU had a strong season last year, and Lacy will need to do his part to continue their road to glory.
Strengths:
- Physicality. His size and strength allow him to overpower defenders, making him effective in contested catch situations and providing a significant red-zone threat.
- Catch Radius. Lacy possesses a notable catch radius, thanks to his ability to adjust to off-target throws. This makes him a reliable target for quarterbacks, even when the throw is not perfect.
- Hands. Speaking of reliability, he demonstrates the ability to make tough catches in traffic. His concentration and hand-eye coordination are strengths that make him a dependable receiver.
- Yards-After-Catch Ability. Last season Lacy utilized his speed and agility to gain 38 percent of his yards after the catch. Get the ball in his hands and watch him turn short gains into substantial gains.
- Route Running. Lacy runs crisp routes making sharp cuts and uses his footwork to help gain separation. He has a diverse route tree helping him to become a versatile target in the passing game.
Areas of Improvement
- Top-End Speed. While Lacy has good speed, he lacks the elite top-end speed that some other receivers possess. This can limit his ability to consistently beat defenders on deep routes.
- Release Technique. His release off the line of scrimmage can be improved. Facing press coverage, Lacy sometimes struggles to quickly disengage from defenders, impacting his route timing.
- Blocking. Improving his technique and effort in blocking can make him a more complete receiver and a valuable asset in run support.
- Consistency. In some games, Lacy has three to five catches, and in others, he is taken out of the offensive rhythm only having one catch. This is his year, however, if he wants to make an impact he will need to consistently show why he needs to be involved in the offense.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2025
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: Day 3 prospect
Personal Projected Draft Capital: Day 3 prospect
Ideal Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans
This might be an odd landing spot, but Tennessee has some veteran receivers that could help Lacy transition to the next level. Both Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins will be 30 or above to start next season. Hopkins may not be with the team unless he gets a contract extension, however, Ridley signed a four-year deal with the Titans to be with them until 2027. Even though their skills are fantastic for the NFL their bodies may be affected by the physicality the sport brings. Former first-round pick Treylon Burks is still looking to find his footing in the NFL. Similar to his college career, it seems unlikely that Lacy will be a day-one starter. Now, Lacy could have a breakout campaign that could elevate his draft stock heavily. If this happens then he might find himself as a day two draft pick.
Based on his career thus far a day three draft pick seems more likely. This would mean he will likely fight for a roster spot, and need some further development at the next level. If Lacy was drafted by the Titans he would enter a veteran wide receiver room capable of teaching him the fundamentals of success at the next level. Right now the Titans lack the physicality on the outside. Lacy can help with that with some more development. He will likely be a wide receiver that is part of the year-three breakout. He may get playing time in his first two seasons, but it will not be until year three when we see what he can do as a permanent starter at the NFL level.
Fantasy Impact
LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy will finally get his shot to be a star in Baton Rouge. His career at LSU has been overshadowed by other elite wide receivers, but now those receivers are gone. Lacy should start the season as the primary X-receiver. Throughout the offseason, he has been building chemistry with his quarterback. There will be over 200 vacant targets with Nabers and Thomas Jr. entering the NFL. The opportunity will be there for Lacy to find tremendous success. In college fantasy football leagues he is a great receiver to buy or draft. The upside is there for him this season. LSU is arguably the best college for wide receiver prospects. Lacy could be the next prospect that the community raves about.
On a pro level, Lacy will probably start as a WR3 with WR2 upside. I mentioned earlier that the transition to the NFL might be a slow start. Sometimes that is a good thing because it allows some players to lose value making them great buys. Lacy might be a taxi player to start, but he will be worth the stash. Not every rookie goes into the NFL to dominate out the gate. He might take some time to find his footing, but Lacy has the traits to have plenty of success at the NFL level. Draft him, stash him, and bathe in glory when the time comes.
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