The hype continues to build for LSU football safety Ty Benefield. The Athletic's Dane Brugler released an early 2027 NFL mock draft, just days after the 2026 draft came to an end, and Benefield was a first-round pick.

Brugler slots Benefield as the No. 26 overall pick, heading to the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Boise State transfer, Benefield is a tall, long defender who topped 100 tackles last season, while making plays both downhill and in reverse," Brugler wrote.

It's worth noting that mock drafts this early in advance are close to a guessing game. We don't know the draft order, and we don't know the team's needs. Mocks at this point in the year have more to do with projecting the overall quality of the player.

But even if it's an inexact science, Brugler is one of the best in the business. Brugler's opinion of Benefield aligns with what LSU fans have heard throughout the spring. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin hasn't been shy of praising Benefield, calling the transfer defensive back "ultra-elite."

Benefield figures to be a key part of LSU's defense this fall.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football safety tabbed a first-round pick in early 2027 mock draft