LSU's Jamal Adams is the latest SEC defensive star to make the jump to the NFL early, as the highly rated safety announced his decision to enter the 2017 NFL Draft on Friday.

Adams is the top-ranked safety in this year's draft class and the No. 14 player overall in the CBS Sports Draft Prospect Rankings, making him a near lock to be a first-round selection.

In 2016, Adams had 76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, one interception, one fumble recovery and one sack. At 6-foot-1, 213 pounds, he has excellent size as a strong safety and is adept at both defending the pass and stepping into the box to help in run support.

Adams told reporters that he asked his father to invite his former coach Les Miles to be with him in the green room on draft night, stating that he loves both Coach Miles and Coach Orgeron.