Brian Kelly, the head coach of LSU football, has had a storied career with a track record that includes leading programs to prominence and preparing countless players for the professional stage. One of the most impressive aspects of Kelly’s tenure is his ability to develop talent that transitions seamlessly into the National Football League. As of recent years, Kelly has had 107 players selected in the NFL Draft, with 19 of those coming from his time coaching at LSU, a testament to his recruitment strategies, coaching methods, and emphasis on preparing student-athletes for the next level.
Before joining LSU, Kelly had built a reputation as a coach who could elevate his teams, turning underperforming programs into perennial contenders. His years at Notre Dame were marked by significant success, not just in terms of wins but in player development. Kelly’s system was one that emphasized discipline, preparation, and attention to detail, which naturally translated into the NFL’s rigorous demands. Under Kelly, Notre Dame saw players develop into high draft picks year after year. This reputation for producing NFL-caliber talent followed Kelly as he took the helm at LSU in 2022.
The 2022 season was Kelly’s first in Baton Rouge, and despite challenges of inheriting a new program, his impact was felt immediately. LSU’s success on the field was paired with a noticeable rise in the profile of its players, many of whom were beginning to garner attention from NFL scouts. The coaching staff at LSU, led by Kelly, instilled a professional mindset in their athletes. Players were not only preparing for success on the college stage but were being groomed for the professional demands of the NFL.
Kelly’s efforts came to fruition during the 2023 NFL Draft when LSU had a historic number of players selected. Among them were standout names like cornerback Kayshon Boutte, linebacker Harold Perkins, and wide receiver Malik Nabers. These players were a reflection of the success of Kelly’s coaching, showing that his program was able to churn out high-level NFL talent.
One of the critical factors in Kelly’s ability to develop NFL talent is his emphasis on position-specific coaching and his ability to adapt to the strengths of his players. Unlike some coaches who adhere rigidly to a specific style or system, Kelly has demonstrated a keen ability to tailor his coaching methods to the needs of individual players, helping them develop the skills required for the NFL. His experience in building systems that are adaptable has been invaluable in shaping his players into well-rounded athletes capable of succeeding in the league.
The success that Kelly has had in developing NFL players is also due to his recruiting prowess. At LSU, Kelly has continued to attract some of the nation’s top talent, ensuring that the program remains stocked with athletes who are capable of succeeding at the highest levels. Recruiting is an area where Kelly’s experience and understanding of the game have been vital. He understands the importance of not just recruiting players based on their raw physical talent but also looking at their potential to grow and improve under his tutelage. This has allowed Kelly to build rosters that are not only full of talent but full of players who are prepared to take the next step in their careers.
Moreover, Kelly’s ability to foster an environment that prepares players for the mental and emotional challenges of playing professional football cannot be overstated. The transition from college football to the NFL is one of the most challenging leaps an athlete can make, and having a coach who has experience navigating that process is invaluable. Kelly’s ability to mentor players through the challenges they face, both on and off the field, has been a significant factor in why so many of his former players have succeeded in the NFL. Under his leadership, LSU players have learned how to handle the pressure of high-stakes games, deal with media scrutiny, and maintain a level of focus that is required for the demanding nature of the NFL.
The 19 players Kelly has sent to the NFL from LSU are not just numbers on a list; they represent the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of student-athletes who have been given the tools to succeed at the next level. From cornerbacks to quarterbacks, defensive linemen to wide receivers, Kelly has demonstrated a rare ability to mold players from all positions into professional-caliber athletes. This speaks to his versatility as a coach and his understanding of what it takes to make players successful in today’s NFL.
The legacy Kelly is building at LSU will likely be defined not just by the championships and accolades his teams win but also by the players who go on to have successful NFL careers. The success of his former players in the NFL is a reflection of the quality of the program he’s built and the strength of his coaching staff. LSU under Kelly is not just a football team that competes for SEC titles; it is a pipeline to the NFL.
As Kelly continues to recruit top-tier talent and coach players to reach their full potential, the number of players selected in the NFL Draft will likely continue to rise. The 107 players Kelly has sent to the NFL to date are just the beginning. With each new season, Kelly is laying the foundation for future stars who will make their mark in the NFL.
It’s clear that Kelly has not only been successful in transforming LSU into a national power but also in preparing his players for the next step in their careers. His 107 players selected in the NFL Draft serve as a lasting testament to his ability to develop talent and prepare student-athletes for the professional stage. As more LSU players are expected to hear their names called on draft day, it’s safe to say that Brian Kelly’s influence on the NFL landscape will continue to grow, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in college football history.