The LSU Tigers didn’t have the year that they wanted in 2025, but there were still some players of note. There aren’t a ton of first-round hopefuls on this roster, but still a couple.

Over the past 10 drafts, the Tigers have had at least two players taken in the first round in three times. The last was 2024.

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Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick expects this to be the next draft with two LSU players taken, with a fairly surprising second selection, in his latest mock. Both were selected by the Los Angeles Rams, as well.

Delane is a lock for the first. The only question is how high and which other defensive backs, if any, are taken ahead of him. He was the second DB, behind Caleb Downs, making him the first corner in Chadwick’s mock.

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The unanimous first team All-American corner had a shutdown year with the Tigers. Per PFF, he was targeted just 35 times in 358 snaps and allowed 13 catches for 147 yards. He never allowed a catch for 30 yards or more.

He did not get tested very often and quarterbacks that did, usually wished that they didn’t right after. Delane finished with two interceptions and eight pass breakups.

Whichever team drafts him will be getting a pro-ready cornerback that can help shore up a secondary from day one.

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This would be a savvy move by the Rams. They have a contending-ready roster and two first-round picks. They can certainly afford to start looking towards the future at quarterback. This is them taking a risk with a tools-heavy player who can learn from Matthew Stafford.

Stafford is playing at an incredible level this season. There is no reason to worry about him yet, but he is about to be 38 years old. Father time comes for everybody. Nussmeier should have time to learn from him and grabbing him in the first round means a fifth-year option to keep him affordable while young.

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Nussmeier entered the year with hopes of winning a Heisman and becoming the first quarterback off the board in the draft. That obviously didn’t happen. Just last year, though, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. There will be teams that want to take a chance on him.

The 23-year-old was dealing with an injury this season and the entire offensive operation was out of rhythm. He was far from the biggest source of blame for how this year turned out. A good pre-draft process could feasibly get him some of his draft value back.

It’s notable that at least some people still view him as a first-round talent.