The end of the college football regular season is nearing — leaving key LSU contributors with key decisions to make about the future. Return for another year or head to the NFL Draft?
With some prospects, it’s easy to guess their next move. LSU LT Will Campbell is projected to be a top-10 pick. It’s probably safe to say he’s moving on. Something similar can be said for RT Emery Jones, who has a shot to be a first-rounder.
The choice isn’t as easy for other guys. TE Mason Taylor and WR Aaron Anderson fall into this category. Both are talented players who have produced in 2024, but it’s hard to say if an NFL team would pick either in the first four rounds.
According to Mel Kiper Jr’s big board, Taylor is the No. 3 TE in the draft and the No. 75 overall prospect. If NFL teams view Taylor the same way, there’s a chance he’s out of here.
In the NIL era, there’s more to consider. Players can remain in college another year to boost their draft stock while already making money. But in most cases, that NIL money doesn’t come close to what the NFL pays a top-100 pick.
There’s risk in returning — an injury could kill a player’s draft stock. If a prospect is in a position to be drafted, it’s hard to pass it up.
With NIL, the college has some agency too. If LSU decides it’s critical to have Taylor back, the Tigers can find a way to make it worth his while.
PFF ranks Taylor even higher, at No. 54 overall.
With those rankings, I’d expect Taylor to turn pro. His 52 catches lead all SEC tight ends and his 518 yards rank third.
As for Anderson, the picture is more murky. His emergence is recent, so there hasn’t been much talk about his NFL outlook throughout the season. He’s caught 52 passes for 778 yards and six scores in 2024. He’s a former five-star and can fly, but he’s only 5’8′.
NFL teams love to bet on speed, but if Anderson returns, he has a chance to be a true feature receiver at LSU.
The Tigers are set to lose Kyren Lacy and CJ Daniels. If they want returning experience at wide receiver, it has to come from Anderson. I’d expect LSU to go all out to ensure Anderson remains in Baton Rouge.
For that reason, I think Anderson is back in 2025.