The Saints have signed three of their draftees to four-year contracts, including first round pick Sheldon Rankins. The defensive tackle is expected to receive a signing bonus that pays him around 7.5 million dollars a year.

In other NFL news, former LSU wide receiver Kadron Boone has signed with the Giants. Boone was out of football last season and by signing with the Giants, he’s reunited with his former LSU teammate Odell Beckham Junior.

Four former Louisiana Tech players have signed with NFL teams. Defensive back Adairius Barnes is on the Lions roster, Kentrell Brice inks a deal with Green Bay, defensive lineman Vontarrius Dora has a chance to make the Broncos and wide receiver Paul Turner will spend the offseason with the Eagles.

Austin Thomas is back as LSU’s director of player personnel. Thomas had that role at LSU for three years, but left in February for a similar job at USC. He’s returned to Baton Rouge and added the title of assistant athletic director.

The LSU baseball team begin a two-game series against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tonight. After tomorrow’s game, LSU will begin a three-game series against Tennessee on Friday. Coach Paul Mainieri believes his players will enjoy this five-game road trip…
cut 18 (12) “…these kids”
Senior left-hander John Valek will pitch tonight. Also tonight…McNeese is at Baylor, while Northwestern State hosts Louisiana Tech.

Northwestern State basketball star Jalen West has received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA. West tore his ACL in the Demons’ season opener in November and he didn’t play his freshman season because of an NCAA Clearinghouse issue. West is an outstanding scorer and he led the nation in the 2014-15 season with nearly eight assists a game.