Jalen Mills

LSU has had a defensive back drafted in eight of the past nine years and Mills will make the nine of 10. After almost testing the NFL waters last year, Les Miles had to re-recruit Mills for his senior year and although it didn't turn out quite like either hoped because Mills missed the first half of the year with a leg injury, Mills' draft stock was boosted by staying in Baton Rouge for the 2015 season.

not an excited tackler with inconsistent effort and hesitant decisions vs. the run. throws his body around, but not a mechanically sound striker. misjudges angles in the middle of the field. prefers to go around blockers, lacking the functional strength to quickly disengage. not comfortable playing the ball once he turns his back to the quarterback, struggling to turn and locate or read the eyes of the receiver.

Needs to make more plays on the ball and finish interceptions. Emotionally charged and needs to keep his wits on the field. Suffered a fractured fibula in his left leg and damaged ankle ligaments (Aug. 2015), sidelining him for the first half of the 2015 season. Off-field character is a question mark following a May 2014 incident where he was charged with striking a woman in the face - second-degree battery charge was dropped to misdemeanor simple battery and he enrolled in a one-year intervention program instead of standing trial (charge has since been expunged from his record).

weaknesses

Lean-framed and lacks an ideal build. Plays flat-footed with inconsistent eye discipline - relies too much on his recovery athleticism.

collects his footwork and stays balanced in his transition. locates the ball in the deep half of the field and quickly gains correct body position. improved route recognition with a good feel in space - knack for running routes better than receivers. strong hands to contend passes at the catch point. verbose team leader and accepted his expanded role as a senior.

Four-year starter with versatile starting experience at cornerback, safety and nickel - also experienced as a gunner on special teams. Reliable work habits and pushed himself to return in only eight weeks following his Aug. 2015 leg injury.

in our view

Mills was frequently on an island at LSU and he responded well with the speed and fluid redirection skills to smother receivers in press, off and zone coverages. Although his off-field baggage and tweener traits are question marks, Mills has the athleticism to be secure a nickelback role in the NFL, doing his best work as a slot corner.

strengths

Agile feet with the recovery quickness to make-up false steps. Trusts his speed, bursting out of his stance to accelerate and close gaps. Swivel hips and fluid change of directions skills.

compares to

Darius Butler, Indianapolis Colts -- Mills and Butler have some tweener traits, but both are quick, aggressive men who are comfortable in space and do their best work lined up on the inside.

Led DeSoto to a 10-2 record his senior season, losing to Dallas-Skyline in the second round of the state playoffs

Registered 26 tackles, one interception and six pass breakups in his final campaign

Spent one season at DeSoto after transferring from Lancaster High School

Ranked as the No. 33 cornerback by 247sports.com, No. 48 by Rivals.com and No. 126 by ESPN.com

Rated as the No. 68 recruit in Texas by 247sports.com, No. 80 by Rivals.com and No. 283 by ESPN.com

Joins Evan Washington as DeSoto players who signed with LSU

Coached by Claude Mathis.

Mother is Kisa Mills

Born April 6, 1994.