Non-LSU Louisiana Players to Watch in the 2026 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is almost here, and its time to watch another crop of Louisiana-based talent make their way into the pro ranks. We know there will be a handful of LSU Tigers selected by NFL teams...there always are...but what about Louisiana's other schools?

If we're looking past Baton Rouge to evaluate talent across the state, we can find a few names that could make their way onto NFL rosters through the draft.

But before we dive in, let's remember there is a distinction between a "draft prospect" and an "undrafted free agent". While we're going to look at some players who are expected to hear their name called during the NFL Draft's 7 rounds, there will still be other players from Louisiana colleges that will end up with organizations before minicamp.

Louisiana's Best Prospect Could Be From A Small School

Kaleb Proctor may not play at the highest level of college football, but the Southeastern Louisiana star is working his way into the NFL like he is. Right now, Proctor is rated as one of the top NFL Draft prospects from the FCS. That's because his name is being bounced around as a 2nd or 3rd round pick...and even some are suggesting he might be a First Round pick now.

The Southland Conference Player of the Year put together an impressive NFL Combine, his 40-yard dash time was the second highest Defensive Tackle time at 4.79 seconds. His 33-inch vertical leap was a top 5 for DT, his 9 foot 5 inch broad jump was the fourth best at his position, and his 20-yard shuttle time was the second lowest as well.

For reference, Proctor's 40-yard dash time would place him safely inside the top 20 for Tight Ends. 

He's worked his way up from a potential undrafted player, to NFL Writer Ryan Sanudo from The Sun putting him at the 17th overall pick to the Detroit Lions. That's way above most projections, but with his steady rise since the start of the draft process, it is absolutely possible that Proctor could be selected before any LSU player gets drafted.

Tech's All-American Disrespected In Mock Drafts

Louisiana Tech All-American Jakari Foster led the nation in interceptions last season. He was ranked inside ESPN's Top 100, and seemed like he was a slam dunk NFL Draft Pick. But right now, there are a lot of mock drafts that are missing his name.

Now that doesn't mean he won't be drafted. The Mock Drafts are only as good as the keyboard they're typed on. While the online experts are losing interest, there are teams that are talking to Foster regularly. These teams could all have the same thing in mind...sleeper pick.

But what happens when you have 4-5 teams trying to out smart each other? One of them will catch on, and pull the trigger before anyone else can. So when the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints are all considering scooping up Foster late, they're going to create a race...and one of them might decide they have to have him in their camp in Round 4.

Top Ragin' Cajun Draft Prospect

Louisiana-Lafayette linebacker Jaden Dugger is the primary name to watch for the Ragin' Cajuns during the upcoming NFL Draft. Standing 6-feet 5-inches and weighing 250-pounds, the Senior earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors after a breakout 2025 season.

Right now, he's skyrocketing up draft boards...according to draft experts, including those from Sports Illustrated. 

There is a pretty big spectrum of projections for Dugger right now. While he started out as a 7th round projection, his stock as started to rise at the perfect time. The Big Lead mock draft had him jumping up to the 5th round as the rise started a couple weeks ago.

Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons have all met with Dugger over the last few weeks. With those that are following these visits are starting to talk about Dugger as a Day 2 prospect...which means Round 2 or Round 3.

NFL scouts recognize his sideline-to-sideline range, and versatility in pass coverage, Dugger's ceiling is currently projected as a potential Day 2, or early Day 3 selection based on his rare physical traits.

Offensive Line Strength At Tulane

Tulane offensive lineman Derrick Graham enters the draft cycle as the highest probability selection for the Green Wave. The 314-pound left tackle earned First Team All-AAC honors and proved his durability by starting every game during the 2024 season.

His performance during the 2026 Tulane Pro Day solidified his status as a pro-ready anchor for NFL teams needing interior depth. Scouts from several organizations met with Graham to discuss his transition to the professional level, including the New Orleans Saints. Expect his name to be called during the final day of the draft.

Group Of Five Draft Outlook in Louisiana

While programs like Northwestern State and UL-Monroe have players participating in Pro Day workouts, few carry legitimate draft grades. The current mock draft landscape suggests these schools will largely focus on the undrafted free agent market following the final round.

Prospects like Proctor, Dugger and Graham represent the most viable paths for non-LSU Louisiana athletes to secure a roster spot via the podium. The 2026 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23.