Former LSU star Arden Key is going to be among the most interesting stories during next week’s NFL Draft. With talent that should have had him as a top-five player off the board, there’s now a good chance Key falls out of Round 1 altogether.
Primarily, the concern NFL teams have over the pass rusher is off the field. Back in 2016, Key took a leave of absence from the Tigers’ program. Few details have been released since, leading many to believe it had to do with substance abuse issues.
Apparently, that is the case. In the lead up to the draft, Key is telling NFL teams that he entered rehab last year due to a marijuana addiction.
LSU edge Arden Key has told NFL teams he went to rehab last year for a marijuana problem. Was a beast in 2016, couldn’t train last year … in a thin edge class, don’t be surprised if he still goes Round 2. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/HWIKeZzn9f
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 20, 2018
Opinions and laws regarding marijuana have become more liberal in recent years. In no way does that mean one can’t be addicted to the substance. It’s also against NFL drug policy to partake in the use of marijuana. Obviously, this has teams a bit concerned about Key heading into the draft.
It’s also important to note that Key suffered a shoulder injury back in 2016 and went through an unproductive final season in Baton Rouge. That, too, will play a role in where he’s draft in Dallas next week.