Jordan Seaton, the new LSU left tackle, was in the top 10 of several early 2027 NFL Draft mocks. However, it has led many to question if he will stay there or slide once the season starts.
Does Jordan Seaton Have First Round Potential?
Background
Seaton was a five-star recruit coming out of the famed IMG Academy. He elected to sign for Coach Prime at Colorado and was a two-year starter at left tackle for the Buffs. He started 13 games as a true freshman in 2024 and started a further nine in 2025 before a leg injury curtailed his season, but he was still named All-Second Team Big 12. He elected to transfer to the SEC and signed with LSU for the 2026 season. Listed at 6’7” 330 lbs by Colorado, LSU lists him at 307 lbs.
Jordan Seaton’s Tape
Games watched: Colorado vs Georgia Tech, Colorado at TCU and Colorado at Utah
Seaton is a large man with a thick lower half, and he has long arms to give him a nice tackle frame. His movement skills stand out right away. To move as well as he does at 330 lbs is exciting.
Seaton is already an outstanding pass protector, as he shows the ability to sit in his stance and mirror effectively. That includes against inside moves, which he takes away without having to overextend. Against spin moves, he remains patient and is able to mirror with ease.
On stunts, he’s patient and doesn’t overextend. When his man tries to use speed to power, Seaton can absorb well, and his strength often means he’ll bury his unfortunate opponent. On the odd occasion when he’s jolted back by initial contact, he’s calm and can drop his hips to re-anchor.
Seaton’s hand use is excellent, and his hand strength is clear. On occasion, his hands do drift a little outside, but on the whole, his hand placement is solid. Against edge speed, he uses his long arms to help, but he lacks elite NFL left tackle foot speed. It will be interesting to see him tested against SEC speed, particularly from a wide nine position. Colorado didn’t play Texas Tech (with No. 2 overall pick David Bailey and 3rd round pick Romello Height) in 2025, so the level of competition is a question at this stage, but that will change in a hurry.
As a run blocker, he’s not as impressive. Right now, he’s most effective on the backside of zone runs. Seaton does a nice job of working square, all the while controlling his man. He uses his strong hands to control and seal, while remaining balanced. On outside zones, the movement skills are evident, but he struggles to break down and engage his man under control.
The same thing applies when he climbs to the second level, as he’s out of control and misses too many blocks. Colorado asked him to pull to the right frequently. Too often, he struggled to engage anyone. When asked to move people as a man/gap blocker, he struggles. He drops his head into contact and turns into an off-balance waist bender.
Seaton spends too much time on the ground. Encouragingly, he was better against TCU, showing the ability to drop his hips, and he will need to use this technique moving forward.
The Fit at LSU for Jordan Keaton
Lane Kiffin’s high-tempo offense is the reason why Seaton has dropped 23 lbs. Seaton’s conditioning will be tested, particularly early in the season. Being lighter should help his feet against high-level edge speed.
Kiffin has talked about bringing a physical style of football to LSU. This doesn’t look to be the best fit for Seaton. However, it will give him a wonderful platform to showcase his improvement under respected offensive line coach Brad Davis (now working under his third Head Coach at LSU) and going up against Princewill Umanmielen in practice.
If he can avoid getting his head too far out in front of his toes, it will give him a more balanced platform to showcase his strength. The fit is excellent in pass protection, and his skill in this area is the reason why he was so highly touted in the transfer portal.
Does Jordan Seaton Have First Round Potential?
Seaton very much showcases high first round level pass protection traits and tape. Even as a true sophomore, this element of his game compares favorably to 2025 high first round picks such as 10th overall pick Francis Mauigoa and 12th overall pick Kadyn Proctor.
His run blocking is a different story. He must improve significantly in 2026 to show he’s a rounded elite prospect. The traits are all there, and with good coaching, he has a good chance to take a huge leap.
Jordan Seaton Key Matchups in 2026
LSU starts the season against Clemson, and that will be an immediate test for Seaton, matched up against Will Heldt. In Week 4, the Tigers host Texas A&M and Northwestern transfer Anto Saka as well as breakout candidate Marco Jones. The LSU/Alabama game is always intense, and the matchup for Seaton against eight-sack Yhonzae Pierre will be fascinating. A four-week gauntlet continues with Texas (Colin Simmons), at Tennessee (Jordan Ross) and at Arkansas (Quincy Rhodes Jr.). The complete schedule can be found here.
Seaton will be tested throughout much of the season, and his draft stock will heavily depend upon how he responds.