LSU football 2025 NFL Draft prospects: An early look at which players could be picked
LSU football nearly stole the show at the 2024 NFL Draft.
Three former players, quarterback Jayden Daniels along with wide receiver duo Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. were chosen in the first 23 picks as LSU and Washington tied for the most first-round draft picks. The Tigers ended up having six taken in the NFL Draft over the course of the three-day event.
As LSU is entering Brian Kelly's third season in Baton Rouge, could the Tigers have more players taken in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Let's take a look at which draft-eligible players could potentially be selected in next year's NFL Draft for LSU.
Will Campbell, left tackle, junior
Campbell, who has started at left tackle for the Tigers since day one as a freshman, is considered the top offensive line draft-eligible prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
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The former five-star recruit from Monroe didn't give up a sack in 2023 and he possesses all the tools NFL teams look for in a tackle. If Campbell decides to enter the draft, he'll likely be a top five pick.
Harold Perkins Jr., linebacker, junior
Another starter since freshman year, Perkins is not a typical pro prospect at the position he plays. While he's undersized at 6-1, 220 pounds, LSU's star linebacker makes up for it with his speed, instincts and finishing at the point of attack ability.
There may not be a draft-eligible player next year that has more upside and intrigue about him than Perkins as he'll play the Will linebacker position in Blake Baker's defensive scheme this season. The former five-star recruit could possibly be a top-20 selection if he decides to enter the draft.
Emery Jones Jr., right tackle, junior
Jones completes arguably the best offensive tackle tandem in college football this season with Campbell. At 6-6, 322, Jones is a complete offensive tackle prospect in NFL scouts' eyes with his combination of size, footwork, decision-making and shear power.
The Baton Rouge native, if he decides to enter his name in the 2025 NFL Draft, could be picked in the first round.
Kyren Lacy, wide receiver, senior
Plenty rides on how Lacy performs this season but all signs point to Lacy having a breakout senior campaign ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, which could propel him into the picture, as he's set to be the Tigers' WR1.
Nabers and Thomas went in the first round and from a size perspective, Lacy is a mix of the two at 6-2, 213. Lacy has sticky hands and is improving as a route runner. A solid 2024 season should seal his being taken in the draft next April.
Mason Taylor, tight end, junior
Obviously, Taylor has the NFL pedigree being former Miami Dolphins' star defensive end Jason Taylor's son. But the 6-6, 253 tight end is carving out his own path to the league.
He's proven he can handle the big-time moments, catching the game-winning two-point conversation to beat Alabama in overtime in 2021. Taylor will need to work on blocking, which in Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton's offensive scheme, he'll do more of this season. As long as he shows improvement there, the LSU tight end should hear his name called next April.
Major Burns, safety, senior
Much like Lacy, Burns will need to piece together a solid 2024 season to become an NFL Draft choice in 2025. Burns certainly plays aggressive and his experience playing up top and near the line of scrimmage helps his case along with size that scouts look for in safeties at 6-2, 193.
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But Burns has some durability issues and has had problems covering guys in space. He has the traits and some improvements this year could pave the way for him to be drafted.
Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Projecting LSU football's 2025 top 2025 NFL Draft prospects
