Patrick Peterson a first-round lock 
With the offense struggling, and perhaps headed for a quarterback change, LSU's defense has been forced to carry the Tigers so far this season.
That hasn't been much of a problem, though, thanks to a player on each level of the defense who is impressing NFL scouts and raising his draft stock. Here's how we evaluate LSU's top three defenders at this point.
Who is leading LSU along the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary? And which Pac-10 middle linebacker appears destined for stardom? Become an ESPN Insider to find out. 
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Scouts Inc.
Todd McShay (left) is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. McShay, who played quarterback at Richmond, has been evaluating NFL prospects since 1998. Follow Todd on Twitter: @McShay13
Steve Muench (middle) played guard at Richmond and worked in the athletic department there and at Boston College before joining Scouts Inc. in 2002. Follow Steve on Twitter: @SteveMuenchESPN
Kevin Weidl (right) is a former quarterback for Indiana (Pa.) University who worked in the pro scouting department for the New York Jets before joining Scouts Inc. in 2007. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @Kevin_Weidl
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