The 2025 NFL Draft came to a close on the weekend turning all draft attention to the 2026 NFL Draft class. It's never too early to start talking about the NFL Draft and while the 2026 NFL Draft is a year away it won't stop analysts from making their early projections. With the page turning to the 2026 Draft, "Way Too Early" 1st round mock drafts are beginning to take shape as experts and analysts prepare for what will be a fun NFL Draft.
The LSU Tigers enter the year with College Football Playoff expectations and the hopes of returning to National Championship contention. The expectations are built on the fact that LSU returns Garrett Nussmeier for a second season as starting quarterback while LSU used the transfer portal to build up the roster around him.
LSU Football poised to make early impact on the 2026 NFL Draft
One week after the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN's Jordan Reid released his first mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. The LSU Tigers are well represented in Reid's initial 2026 mock draft with two first round selections.
The first selection for LSU will likely disappoint Saints' offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier as the Los Angeles Rams trade one pick ahead of the Saints to select Garrett Nussmeier with the 7th overall pick while the Saints land Penn State's Drew Allar.
Garrett Nussmeier going 7th overall would give the LSU Football program another Top-10 selection while it would be an incredible fit for Garrett Nussmeier's development. Nussmeier would likely get to sit behind Matthew Stafford for a year or two as he finishes out his career while being coached by the best offensive mind in football which will help him become a dominant pro.
The second LSU Tiger to hear their name called in the projected mock draft is one of the newest LSU Tigers wide receiver Nic Anderson. Reid has Anderson being selected 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers sending a second LSU Tiger to Los Angeles. Anderson lost his 2024 season to injuries but, he'll get to play alongside Garrett Nussmeier who will be able to get the most out of his size and speed to make him one of the top wide receivers in this class.
While LSU had two players selected, a few could end up making their way into the 1st round of the draft with dominant seasons. Whit Weeks is coming off of an incredible season and while the NFL doesn't select many off-ball linebackers in the first round, Whit Weeks could end up anchoring a defense. Harold Perkins Jr will always be an intriguing prospect for teams and if he can excel in a role this season a team will be willing to bet on the athlete. Aaron Anderson is undersized but, if he dominates again this season he could get a team to roll the dice selecting him to be a slot receiver.