In the 2025 NFL Draft, seven former LSU Tigers were selected, underscoring the continued legacy of the LSU Tigers football program as a major talent pipeline to the NFL. Known for producing elite athletes, LSU consistently has players who make an impact both in college football and at the professional level. The 2025 draft class is no exception, as these former Tigers head to the NFL, bringing with them championship pedigree, athleticism, and the experience of playing in one of the most competitive college football programs in the country.
The LSU Tigers’ success in producing NFL talent is no surprise. Over the years, LSU has been home to many future NFL stars, from wide receivers like Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry to defensive players like Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. The program’s ability to develop talent, coupled with its high-performance environment, ensures that players are well-prepared for the challenges of professional football. The 2025 draft class features a diverse group of players, each with unique skills and backgrounds, but all share the common bond of being part of one of the best football programs in the country.
1. Tyronne James – Wide Receiver (1st Round, Pick 10)
Tyronne James, a wide receiver from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 210 pounds, James possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and hands that make him a versatile weapon on the field. Throughout his college career, James established himself as a deep threat and a reliable possession receiver. In his final season at LSU, he put up impressive numbers, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make plays in critical moments.
James’s performance in the 2024 season was a culmination of years of hard work and growth. He played in a dynamic LSU offense that was designed to utilize his skills as both a vertical threat and a reliable target in the intermediate passing game. In 2024, he finished with over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. His performance in LSU’s run to the SEC Championship game further cemented his status as a first-round pick.
Scouts rave about James’s ability to separate from defenders using his speed and fluid route-running. His combination of physical attributes and his football IQ make him a potential star in the NFL. James is expected to make an immediate impact for whichever team selects him in the first round of the draft.
2. Derrick Ford – Defensive Tackle (1st Round, Pick 18)
Derrick Ford, a 6’4”, 310-pound defensive tackle, is one of the most dominant players in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his quick first step and relentless motor, Ford has been a disruptor on the LSU defensive line for the past several seasons. A key figure in LSU’s defensive front, Ford’s ability to collapse the pocket and stop the run made him one of the top prospects heading into the draft.
Ford’s numbers speak for themselves. In his senior year, he posted 15 tackles for loss and 8 sacks, helping LSU’s defense rank among the best in the SEC. His versatility allows him to play both defensive tackle positions, giving NFL teams the ability to use him in various schemes. Ford’s combination of size, power, and agility allows him to control the line of scrimmage, making him a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of a disruptive force in the middle of their defense.
Ford’s leadership and ability to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks have made him a key figure in LSU’s success in the SEC. Teams in the NFL are eager to add his talent to their roster, and many believe that Ford has the potential to be a dominant force at the next level.
3. Zane Brooks – Linebacker (2nd Round, Pick 35)
Zane Brooks, LSU’s star linebacker, is one of the most intelligent and instinctive players in the 2025 NFL Draft. A versatile defender with the ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in both the running and passing game, Brooks was a key player on LSU’s defense throughout his career. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 240 pounds, Brooks is known for his excellent tackling technique and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, making him a disruptive force in both the passing and running game.
In 2024, Brooks finished the season with over 120 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions, showcasing his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. He played a major role in LSU’s ability to stop opposing offenses and make key stops in critical moments. His leadership on the field and his understanding of defensive schemes make him an ideal fit for an NFL team looking for an immediate contributor at linebacker.
Brooks’s blend of intelligence, athleticism, and leadership qualities make him one of the more complete linebackers in the draft class. With his ability to cover the field sideline to sideline and his knack for finding the ball, Brooks is projected to make an immediate impact at the NFL level.
4. Elijah Montgomery – Cornerback (2nd Round, Pick 46)
Elijah Montgomery, a 6’0” cornerback, was one of LSU’s most reliable defensive backs during his college career. Known for his ability to lock down receivers in one-on-one coverage, Montgomery was a key player in LSU’s defensive backfield. His physicality and instincts made him a standout in the SEC, where he was frequently tasked with covering some of the top wide receivers in the country.
In his final season, Montgomery recorded 4 interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to make plays both in coverage and as a tackler. His length and ability to mirror wide receivers make him a coveted prospect in the draft, and many teams are excited about his potential to become a shutdown corner in the NFL.
Montgomery’s experience in the SEC, where he faced elite competition week in and week out, makes him an NFL-ready prospect. His confidence, poise, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations will make him a valuable asset for any team that selects him in the draft.
5. Jaiden Harris – Offensive Tackle (3rd Round, Pick 72)
Jaiden Harris, a 6’6”, 325-pound offensive tackle, is one of the most physically gifted players in the 2025 NFL Draft. A three-year starter at LSU, Harris helped anchor one of the best offensive lines in college football. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him a standout in both the running and passing games. Harris’s ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for LSU’s backs was a major reason for the Tigers’ offensive success during his tenure.
In his final season, Harris’s play was a key factor in LSU’s ability to compete in the SEC. His powerful blocking and quick feet allowed him to neutralize top pass rushers, while his ability to get to the second level in the run game made him a versatile asset on the field. Harris is known for his strong fundamentals and his work ethic, which make him a safe bet for NFL teams looking to add depth to their offensive line.
While Harris may not be a first-round talent, his skill set and work ethic make him a valuable asset as a mid-round pick. He projects as a reliable starting tackle in the NFL who can make an immediate impact.
6. Trevor Banks – Safety (4th Round, Pick 104)
Trevor Banks is a safety who combines excellent instincts with physicality and a high football IQ. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 210 pounds, Banks was a key player for LSU’s secondary in 2024. Known for his ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball, Banks excelled in both coverage and run support. His playmaking ability was on full display during LSU’s run through the 2024 season, where he posted 5 interceptions and 9 pass breakups.
Banks’s versatility allows him to play both safety positions, and his ability to cover ground quickly makes him a valuable piece in an NFL defense. His tackling ability and his ability to make plays in the open field are also highly regarded by scouts. Banks’s leadership and his playmaking ability are expected to translate well to the NFL, where he will be an asset in both pass coverage and against the run.
7. Kyle Phillips – Running Back (5th Round, Pick 132)
Kyle Phillips, a 6’0”, 210-pound running back, was a reliable force in LSU’s backfield for the past few seasons. Known for his ability to break tackles and churn out yards after contact, Phillips was a steady performer for the Tigers in the SEC. His physicality and vision in the running game made him a key component of LSU’s offense. In his senior season, Phillips rushed for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning second-team All-SEC honors.
Phillips’s blend of power, vision, and balance makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. While he may not have the elite speed of some other running backs in the draft, his toughness and ability to grind out tough yards make him a valuable addition to any team’s backfield.
The seven former LSU Tigers selected in the 2025 NFL Draft are a testament to the program’s ability to develop elite talent. From Tyronne James’s potential as a star wide receiver to Derrick Ford’s dominance as a defensive tackle, this group of players brings a wealth of talent and experience to the NFL. Each player has the potential to make an immediate impact, and their success will add to LSU’s legacy of producing some of the best football players in the world. As the NFL prepares to welcome these players into its ranks, LSU’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier talent remains as strong as ever.
