Since taking over as head coach of LSU in late 2021, Brian Kelly has reinvigorated the Tigers with a disciplined culture, player development focus, and a knack for maximizing pro-level talent. Though LSU has always been a pipeline to the NFL, the Brian Kelly era has shown an impressive continuation—and even elevation—of that trend. In just a few years, Kelly has already sent a notable number of players to the NFL Draft, each with their own unique story of development, perseverance, and impact on the program. From Day 1 picks to hidden gems taken on Day 3, the Kelly era is shaping into a defining period for the future of LSU’s place in the NFL landscape.
The first NFL Draft following Kelly’s arrival in Baton Rouge was in 2023, and though it came after only one season under his command, several players used the opportunity to rise to new heights under his system. The headliner of that class was linebacker BJ Ojulari, a team captain known for his high motor, quick first step, and vocal leadership. Selected in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals, Ojulari epitomized what Kelly had been preaching—commitment to development, accountability, and leadership on and off the field. He posted 58 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his final year and emerged as a top-50 pick thanks to a strong showing at the NFL Combine and interviews that emphasized his intelligence and maturity.
In that same 2023 draft, LSU defensive back Jay Ward also heard his name called. Ward, a versatile defender who lined up at cornerback, safety, and even in the nickel spot during his career, was selected in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings. Kelly consistently praised Ward’s football IQ and ability to adapt to various roles in Matt House’s defensive scheme. He was a quiet but vital piece in the secondary, and his performance in big games, especially during SEC play, helped boost his stock.
The 2023 draft also included a pair of offensive linemen. Anthony Bradford, a physically imposing guard, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round. Bradford was one of the most improved players under Kelly and offensive line coach Brad Davis, who remained a holdover from the previous staff. His ability to move in space and anchor in pass protection made him an appealing mid-round option. Meanwhile, the Bengals used a sixth-round pick on defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy. Though Roy didn’t always rack up eye-popping stats, his ability to occupy blockers and disrupt the interior made him a valuable rotational piece, and teams believed his best football was ahead of him.
Kelly’s early impact was also felt in the case of wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, once projected to be a first-round pick but who slid to the sixth round after an inconsistent 2022 season marred by injuries and questions about effort. The New England Patriots took a flyer on Boutte, banking on his elite talent and hoping Kelly’s structured approach helped him regain his form. Though his draft slide was disappointing, the fact he was still selected spoke to the high ceiling evaluators saw.
One of the most inspirational stories of the Brian Kelly era also came out of that 2023 draft in the form of cornerback Mekhi Garner. After transferring from Louisiana, Garner became a starter in his lone season in Baton Rouge and impressed with his size, toughness, and physicality at the line of scrimmage. While he went undrafted, he signed a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and made an impression during training camp, reflecting Kelly’s ability to maximize even short-term additions through the transfer portal.
Moving into the 2024 NFL Draft, which followed a second full season under Kelly, the LSU pipeline to the NFL continued strong. The crown jewel of that class was wide receiver Malik Nabers, who emerged as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country during the 2023 season. Nabers developed tremendous chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels and torched SEC defenses en route to over 1,500 yards and double-digit touchdowns. His combination of speed, precise route running, and after-the-catch explosion made him a surefire first-round pick. He was selected within the top 10 by the New York Giants, immediately boosting their receiving corps and becoming LSU’s highest-drafted wideout since Ja’Marr Chase.
Not far behind Nabers in terms of impact was Brian Thomas Jr., another explosive LSU receiver who benefitted from Kelly’s offensive system. Thomas became a red zone machine and vertical threat, racking up over 1,000 yards and leading the nation in touchdown catches during his breakout season. His size-speed combo drew comparisons to elite NFL receivers, and he was ultimately taken in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Together, Nabers and Thomas formed one of the most feared receiver tandems in college football, and their development under Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock was a major feather in the staff’s cap.
No player may have boosted their draft stock more in the Kelly era than quarterback Jayden Daniels. After transferring from Arizona State and experiencing an up-and-down first year, Daniels exploded in 2023, winning the Heisman Trophy and putting together one of the most efficient seasons in college football history. His deep ball accuracy, electric scrambling, and decision-making showed dramatic improvement in Year 2 under Kelly’s system. Daniels became a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, taken by the Washington Commanders to be their franchise quarterback. Kelly’s role in Daniels’ development cannot be overstated—it was a total transformation from promising dual-threat to elite NFL-ready talent.
LSU also had several defensive players selected in that 2024 class, including defensive tackle Maason Smith. After returning from a torn ACL that ended his 2022 season prematurely, Smith flashed the elite potential that once made him a 5-star recruit. Though his stats didn’t always jump off the page, his physical traits and ability to impact the game when healthy intrigued scouts enough to take him on Day 2. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins, who saw him as a high-upside interior defender in the mold of Christian Wilkins.
Another important Day 2 selection was linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who had become one of the most electrifying defensive players in the country. Though initially used primarily as an edge rusher in 2022, Kelly and House expanded his role in 2023 to showcase his full skill set. Perkins displayed the speed to cover running backs and tight ends, the burst to pressure quarterbacks, and the instincts to make game-changing plays. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys, who valued his versatility and saw him as a future star in their defense.
LSU’s 2024 class also included standout cornerback Zy Alexander, a transfer from Southeastern Louisiana who blossomed under Kelly’s tutelage. Alexander became the Tigers’ top corner and held his own against elite SEC receivers. His length and ball skills made him a late-round pick, and he joined the Los Angeles Rams looking to prove he could hang at the next level. Similarly, offensive lineman Charles Turner III was selected late in the draft after anchoring the LSU offensive line as the starting center. Known for his leadership and football IQ, Turner was picked by the Chicago Bears and brought in as a developmental piece with upside.
Safety Greg Brooks Jr., whose 2023 season was cut short by a brain tumor diagnosis, was a beloved figure in the LSU locker room. While he didn’t hear his name called during the draft, Brooks’ courageous battle inspired not only teammates but the nation. Once medically cleared, he was signed as an undrafted free agent, with hopes that his story would continue in the NFL—a testament to the character culture Kelly has emphasized since Day 1.
It’s also worth noting that LSU saw several other players enter the NFL via free agency in the Kelly era. Guard Miles Frazier, defensive end Sai’vion Jones, and tight end Mason Taylor—if not drafted—are expected to garner significant attention from teams due to their physical tools and solid college tape. Taylor, in particular, gained national recognition after catching the game-winning two-point conversion to beat Alabama in 2022, and his NFL bloodline as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor only added to his intrigue.
The Brian Kelly era at LSU has only just begun, but the early returns on his ability to develop NFL-caliber talent are already impressive. From polished first-rounders to gritty late-round finds, Kelly’s process-oriented approach is paying dividends at the next level. His emphasis on player accountability, physical development, and situational football has helped players elevate their games when it matters most. As the Tigers continue to recruit and reload, there’s little doubt that LSU will remain one of the premier NFL factories in college football under Kelly’s guidance.