LSU’s AJ Haulcy Declares for NFL Draft After Breakout Season
AJ Haulcy is heading to the NFL.
The LSU Tigers’ standout safety has officially declared for the NFL Draft, capping off a college career that saw him go from overlooked recruit to one of the most productive defensive backs in the country. And if this past season in Baton Rouge is any indication, he’s done more than enough to turn heads at the next level.
Haulcy transferred to LSU ahead of the 2025 season with one goal in mind: raise his draft stock. Mission accomplished.
He didn’t just contribute - he led the team in tackles with 88, added three interceptions, broke up four more passes, and forced a fumble. Whether it was in coverage or crashing down in run support, Haulcy was everywhere.
There was a four-week stretch where he racked up at least 12 tackles in every game - the kind of consistency that jumps off the tape. His most complete performance came in a hard-fought loss to Texas A&M, where he posted 12 tackles, snagged a pick, and broke up another pass. It was the type of game that scouts circle, not just for the numbers, but for the impact.
What makes Haulcy’s rise even more impressive is where he started. Coming out of high school, he was a three-star recruit, ranked as the 150th safety in his class and barely cracking the top 300 in Texas.
Not exactly the profile of a future pro. But after transferring - and being ranked just 151st overall in the portal - he outplayed every expectation.
Now, he’s drawing second-round grades and is expected to be among the first safeties off the board.
Haulcy becomes the third LSU player to declare for the draft, joining fellow transfer Mansoor Delane and wide receiver Aaron Anderson. All three came to Baton Rouge looking to prove something, and all three are now headed to the next level with their stock on the rise.
For Haulcy, it’s a testament to what happens when talent, opportunity, and relentless effort align. He didn’t just make the most of his one season at LSU - he turned it into a launching pad for the NFL.