The 2026 NFL season has officially begun, with the first week of preseason football wrapping up over the past weekend. After the LSU Tigers had seven players drafted in April, this week was the first real in-game action many of the new rookies saw since their collegiate careers ended. Let’s take a look at how LSU’s draftees performed in their NFL debuts.
Mansoor Delane, Kansas City Chiefs- CB
Delane was held out of the Chiefs’ first preseason game versus the Los Angeles Rams due to a shoulder injury he sustained during OTAs. Unfortunately, Mansoor missed out on an opportunity to gain some valuable reps, but the team will be cautious with the valuable asset they selected with the sixth-overall pick.
A.J. Haulcy, Indianapolis Colts- S
The next Tiger drafted would not be taken until the third round, when the Colts chose safety A.J. Haulcy. Indianapolis’ defensive backfield gained a jolt of energy as Haulcy delivered three tackles for his team in a 13-13 tie against the New England Patriots.
Zavion Thomas, Chicago Bears- WR
Like Delane, Zavion Thomas was held out of the Bears’ preseason game versus the Cleveland Browns due to an injury. Thomas sustained a knee injury recently, which forced him out of a practice early. Fortunately, there are no signs that the injury is serious and should not keep him off the field for an extended time. Early reports have indicated that the Bears are loving Thomas’ play during training camp.
Bauer Sharp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- TE
Sharp had four receptions on five targets in the Buccaneers’ first preseason game against the New York Jets. The sixth-round TE finished tied for second on the team with 24 receiving yards, including a long catch of 13. Although a good performance, Sharp still finds himself on the outside looking in as he currently sits fourth on the depth chart at the position.
Barion Brown, New Orleans Saints- WR
Also a sixth-round selection, Barion Brown made the most of his opportunity to see the field in the Saints’ week one matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished with four receptions for 53 yards and had a 28-yard catch in the game. Brown also had a chance to return a punt, but would lose seven yards after fielding the ball.
Harold Perkins Jr., Atlanta Falcons- LB
LSU’s first seventh-round draft pick delivered a lone tackle in his preseason debut with the Falcons. Perkins Jr. was chosen by Atlanta with the 215th overall selection this year, but he is still fighting to find a roster spot with his limited in-game reps.
Garrett Nussmeier, Kansas City Chiefs- QB
The final Tiger chosen in the draft was QB Garrett Nussmeier. He joined his college teammate Delane on the Chiefs after Kansas City selected him with the 249th overall pick. In his NFL debut, Nussmeier finished with 98 passing yards on 13-19 passing and had an 80.6 QBR. Garrett was sacked twice in the game, but should get more snaps in next week’s exhibition.