The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and LSU Tigers football players are once again generating substantial buzz as they prepare to make the leap to the professional level. LSU has long been known as a pipeline for NFL talent, and the 2025 draft class is no different, with several Tigers poised to hear their names called in the first few rounds. Before LSU’s Pro Day on March 26, 2025, which serves as a crucial final opportunity for these athletes to impress scouts, several LSU players have been making waves in draft rankings.
This article will examine the NFL draft rankings of LSU Tigers players ahead of their Pro Day, delving into their performances during the 2024 season, their measurable attributes, and how they stack up against other prospects. We will also look at their strengths, weaknesses, and potential draft projections based on pre-Pro Day evaluations.
1. Will Campbell – Offensive Tackle
Overview:
Will Campbell has firmly established himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6, 323-pound lineman from LSU has been a fixture on the Tigers’ offensive line since his freshman year, where he earned All-American honors for his stellar performance. His size, combined with his technique, makes him a potential cornerstone for an NFL team’s offensive line.
Strengths:
Campbell is known for his exceptional pass-blocking ability, quick feet, and powerful hands. His technique in pass protection is among the best in this class, and his ability to move laterally to mirror pass rushers has earned him widespread praise. Additionally, Campbell has the versatility to play either tackle position, which is a trait that will be highly valued by NFL teams that may have positional needs across the line.
Weaknesses:
Despite his impressive technique, Campbell’s main concern heading into the NFL is his tendency to play too high at times, which can leave him vulnerable to strong bull rushes. He will need to continue to improve his hand placement and leverage to be more effective against top-tier pass rushers at the next level.
Draft Projection:
Campbell is expected to be a top-10 pick, with some projections even placing him within the first five selections. His performance at the combine and Pro Day will be crucial, but as of now, he is one of the most highly regarded players in the 2025 draft class.
2. Emery Jones Jr. – Offensive Tackle
Overview:
Emery Jones Jr. is another offensive lineman who has been impressing NFL scouts in the 2025 draft process. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Jones is a physically imposing presence on the field. His performance for LSU has been a key component of the team’s offensive success, and he has gained recognition as one of the top offensive tackles available this year.
Strengths:
Jones possesses exceptional size, athleticism, and the ability to move with fluidity for his size. He is strong in both the running game and pass protection, displaying an aggressive mindset that is critical for any NFL offensive lineman. His ability to excel in both zones and man-blocking schemes adds significant value to his skill set.
Weaknesses:
Jones needs to improve his consistency, particularly when it comes to his hand placement and his ability to deal with more agile defenders. At times, he can struggle with balance when facing elite edge rushers, which could lead to more penalties or missed blocks at the next level.
Draft Projection:
Jones is projected to be a first-round pick, with a likely landing spot anywhere between picks 20 to 32. His strong Pro Day performance could push him into the top 20, but he may need a bit more development before becoming a day-one starter in the NFL.
3. Mason Taylor – Tight End
Overview:
Mason Taylor has been one of the standout players for LSU in recent years, and his combination of size and versatility makes him a highly intriguing prospect in the 2025 draft. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 251 pounds, Taylor is a unique blend of pass-catching ability and blocking prowess.
Strengths:
Taylor is an excellent route runner, demonstrating the ability to get open and make plays both down the field and in the intermediate game. His soft hands and ability to secure catches in traffic are also impressive. As a blocker, Taylor has shown improvement, and his ability to contribute in both the passing and running games enhances his value in the NFL.
Weaknesses:
Taylor’s main area for improvement is in his blocking technique. While he has the size and strength to be an effective blocker, he lacks the consistency needed to make an immediate impact in the run game at the next level. He also needs to refine his footwork and become more explosive off the line of scrimmage.
Draft Projection:
Taylor is projected to be selected in the second or third round. His performance at Pro Day will be crucial to solidifying his position, but he is widely regarded as one of the top tight end prospects in the class and has the potential to be a Day 2 pick.
4. Greg Penn III – Linebacker
Overview:
Greg Penn III has been one of the more underrated players in LSU’s 2025 draft class. As a linebacker, Penn has displayed an impressive combination of instincts, leadership, and tackling ability. His size, at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, allows him to be a physical presence on the field, and he is known for his high football IQ.
Strengths:
Penn is an intelligent linebacker with the ability to diagnose plays quickly. He excels in coverage, and his awareness allows him to cover tight ends, running backs, and even some wide receivers. He is a sure tackler and brings a level of physicality that is coveted by NFL teams.
Weaknesses:
Penn’s speed and athleticism have been called into question by some analysts, especially when it comes to tracking fast ball carriers. While he is effective against the run, he sometimes struggles to maintain coverage against faster athletes.
Draft Projection:
Penn is expected to go on Day 3 of the draft, with most projections placing him in the fourth or fifth round. His leadership and football IQ will make him an appealing pick for teams looking to add a versatile linebacker who can contribute immediately on special teams.
5. Sai’vion Jones – Defensive Line
Overview:
Defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones is another key LSU prospect making waves ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones is an athletic and powerful defender who can play multiple positions along the defensive line. His size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect, especially for teams looking to bolster their pass rush.
Strengths:
Jones’s ability to get after the quarterback stands out, and he has shown flashes of elite explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. He is also strong at the point of attack and can shed blockers to make plays in the backfield. His versatility in terms of lining up at multiple positions along the defensive line adds to his value.
Weaknesses:
Jones’s technique and hand placement could use refinement, as he can occasionally get too high in his stance, which limits his ability to disengage from blockers. He also lacks the consistency to be a dominant force every down.
Draft Projection:
Jones is projected to be a late second to early third-round pick. His ceiling is very high, but his development will be key in determining just how high he can go in the draft. Scouts will be closely watching his Pro Day to see how his skills translate to the next level.
6. Bradyn Swinson – Edge Rusher
Overview:
Edge rusher Bradyn Swinson has shown promise as one of the top pass-rushing prospects from LSU. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 245 pounds, Swinson is known for his burst off the line of scrimmage and his ability to get around the edge. He’s shown the ability to apply pressure on quarterbacks and create havoc in the backfield.
Strengths:
Swinson’s speed and first-step quickness are his two biggest assets. He has the ability to bend around the edge and take advantage of slower offensive tackles. His agility and motor make him a constant threat on passing downs, and he’s effective at chasing down plays from the backside.
Weaknesses:
Swinson’s size is somewhat of a concern, as he may not have the bulk to hold up against bigger tackles in the NFL. Additionally, he needs to add more pass-rush moves to his repertoire and develop a more diverse arsenal of techniques to beat blockers.
Draft Projection:
Swinson is expected to be a late second or early third-round pick. His performance in the Pro Day drills will be key, but scouts are intrigued by his potential to develop into a quality edge rusher at the next level.
7. Mason Smith – Defensive Tackle
Overview:
Mason Smith is one of LSU’s most highly touted defensive line prospects, and for good reason. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Smith has the size, strength, and athleticism to excel at the next level. He was a dominant force for LSU before an injury sidelined him for part of the 2024 season, but he remains a player to watch.
Strengths:
Smith is a disruptive force along the defensive line, capable of both stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. He has great hands, a quick first step, and the ability to collapse the pocket. His strength and power make him a force against the run, and he can wreak havoc in passing situations as well.
Weaknesses:
Smith’s lack of elite pass-rush moves and his need for improvement in terms of conditioning are areas that may concern some scouts. He also missed time due to injury, and there are some questions about his long-term durability.
Draft Projection:
Smith is projected to be a late first-round pick or an early second-round pick, depending on how his Pro Day and medical evaluations go. His raw talent is undeniable, and teams will be looking to take a chance on him early.
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