D.J. Welter is doing himself a favor in LSU's fall camp, maintaining the starting middle linebacker role despite the wide expectation that he would eventually yield it to star Lamin Barrow.
But he could be doing Barrow a favor, as well.
The team's leading returning tackler after making 104 stops last season at outside linebacker, Barrow projects in the NFL on the outside as well. The senior's speed, quickness and size (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) all suggest he would be a better pro fit outside, particularly at a weak-side position where he can dart through cutback lanes and play in space.
But when LSU lost last year's middle linebacker, Kevin Minter, to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Tigers coach Les Miles suggested Barrow would likely move inside to replace him. But Welter's emergence in the middle has allowed Tigers coaches to keep Barrow exactly where NFL scouts will want to see more of him this season: outside.
Good news for LSU's defense, and good news for Barrow as well.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.
