LSU has become an NFL Draft Factory sending Superstars to the NFL on a yearly basis while replacing them with future stars. It has become a tradition to hear the names of LSU stars called in the first round of the draft as programs look to LSU for their next building blocks. From Game breaking Receivers to Franchise Quarterbacks and Shutdown defensive backs, LSU has produced everything but, when was the last time LSU produced a first round pick at each position?
While you can look and find cornerbacks and wide receivers from LSU in nearly every other draft in the 2000's, some positions such as Tight End and Offensive Linemen have been rarer to find. From past greats to recent breakout stars, we look back at the last time LSU had a first round pick at each position.
Quarterback - 2024 NFL Draft - Jayden Daniels
You don't have to look back far to find when LSU last landed a Quarterback as the Tigers sent Jayden Daniels to the NFL during the last NFL Draft. The selection worked out well for the Commanders as Daniels took the league by storm leading the team to the NFC Championship Game winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year along the way. The Tigers don't have a Quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft but, Garrett Nussmeier will look to be a first round pick in 2026.
Running Back - 2020 NFL Draft - Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Given the NFL's new stance on the positional value of running backs, its going to be rare for a running back to be taken in the first round and Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be the last LSU Back taken for quite some time. The Tigers have a few running backs with the potential to be rare talents in Caden Durham, Harlem Berry, and JT Lindsey. The Tigers trio of young backs will look to build their draft stock the next few seasons but, it won't be until the 2027 NFL Draft that LSU has a first round running back.
Wide Receiver - 2024 NFL Draft - Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr
LSU has become the best wide receiver factory in the Country sending superstar wide receivers to the NFL at an absurd rate. As LSU needed to reload at the position this past season, the Tigers won't have a first round wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft but, the NFL won't have to wait too much longer for the next crop of stars. Next Draft, NFL Teams will be eyeing Aaron Anderson, Nic Anderson, Barion Brown, and Chris Hilton Jr as each could play their way into being early 1st round selections.
Tight End - 1997 NFL Draft - David LaFleur
Once Will Campbell is selected in the first round, LSU's longest First Round Pick draught will be at tight end dating back to David LaFleur in 1997. The draught has gone so long that David LaFleur's son JD has signed with LSU and will be a Freshman next season. Mason Taylor will miss out on being a first round pick due to this class being loaded at the position but, if Trey'Dez Green lives up to his potential, he could easily be a first round pick.
Offensive Line - 1998 NFL Draft - Alan Faneca
The only record we'll see fall this NFL Draft will be when Will Campbell is selected in the first round as he'll become the first Offensive Lineman from LSU to be taken in the first round since Alan Faneca in 1998. The good news for whoever drafts Campbell is that the last time LSU had an offensive lineman taken in the First Round he was given a Gold Jacket.
Defensive Line - 2012 NFL Draft - Michael Brockers
The most surprising draught on the list is the fact that LSU hasn't had a traditional defensive lineman drafted in the first round since the 2012 NFL Draft. The Tigers have been solid on defense for most years since Brockers was selected but, the linebackers and defensive backs have headlined the defense. Brian Kelly brought Bo Davis over from Texas to Coach LSU's defensive line and if anyone can develop first round picks at the position it's Davis.
Edge Rusher - 2020 NFL Draft - K'Lavon Chaisson
As LSU's defense started to slip, so did the draft production at edge rusher as LSU will go five straight years without developing a first round edge rusher. The Tigers loaded up at the position in the transfer portal this offseason and the player that could become a first round pick in 2026 is Patrick Payton who has shown flashes at Florida State.
Linebacker - 2020 NFL Draft - Patrick Queen
The 2020 NFL Draft class that LSU put together will forever be one of the strongest a school has ever produced as the Tigers sent a Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher, and Linebacker into the first round. Following Patrick Queen, LSU won't have a first round pick at the position in the 2025 NFL Draft but, Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins Jr could be first round picks in 2026.
Cornerback - 2022 NFL Draft - Derek Stingley Jr
After Derek Stingley Jr was the 3rd Overall Pick in 2022, LSU's defensive back play has taken a step back as the Tigers will go three straight backs without a first round pick at cornerback or safety. The struggles to develop elite talent at the position has brought Corey Raymond back to Baton Rouge as he'll look to mold the next crop of superstar defensive backs from LSU.
Safety - 2017 NFL Draft - Jamal Adams
The last LSU Safety to be taken in the first round was Jamal Adams in the 2017 NFL Draft which lines up with LSU's struggles at the position as of late. Grant Delpit was close to being a first round pick but, slipped into the second round in the 2020 NFL Draft. All eyes will be on incoming transfer Tamarcus Cooley as if he takes the next step at LSU he could play his way into being a first round pick.
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