There have been 420 players drafted into the NFL out of LSU and no position stands out as far as star power in the NFL than the wide receiver position.
Since 2000, there has been some dominant wide receiver performances from LSU alum in the NFL. While NFL stars like Joe Burrow, Jamal Adams and Odell Beckham Jr. have become the face of the LSU Tigers alum in the NFL, the wide receivers this program has produced has been outstanding in recent NFL draft history.
In this NFL All-time list, NFL Mocks ranks the top 10 receivers drafted out of LUS since 2000. Where does Beckham Jr. rank? Let’s look at the best receivers ranked in order from No. 10 to No. 1 being the top.
Top LSU playmakers drafted in the NFL at the wide receiver position
No. 10: Russell Gage – No. 194 overall (6th round) 2018 NFL Draft (Atlanta Falcons)
A late-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Russell Gage played at LSU from 2014 to 2017 where he was used as a receiver, running back and core special team’s player. During his senior year at LSU, Gage caught 21 passes for 285 yards and rushed for 232 yards on 28 attempts. It was his best season as far as production in his college career. He spent the first two seasons at LSU laying as a defensive back.
In a league that loves versatility, it is his athleticism and strong work ethic that really stood out coming out of LSU and gained him attention going into that 2018 draft.
In playing for two NFL franchises over the first part in his career, Gage has a total of 244 receptions for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns. His best season came in 2020 with the Falcons in which he caught 72 receptions for 786 yards and 4 touchdowns. Gage went on to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he totaled 426 yards receiving in 2022. After missing the entire 2023 NFL season due to a torn patellar tendon, Gage is back in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers where he hopes to continue his NFL career.
As a late-round pick with not much production at wide receiver coming out of LSU, Gage’s rise a consistent contributor in an NFL offense should be applauded. Although not as flashy as most players on the list, this LSU alum has shown what the value of hard work and dedication can earn you in the NFL.