Auburn Football Summer Report: Will Keyron Crawford Be the Tigers’ Savior or Their Next Big Letdown?

The Auburn Tigers have spent years searching for a defensive playmaker who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. In the ever-competitive SEC, where high-powered offenses reign supreme, having a reliable pass rusher is a necessity. Enter Keyron Crawford, the young linebacker with the potential to fill that void. But as summer drills continue and the 2023 season looms, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Will Crawford become Auburn’s de facto pass rusher, or is he just another unfulfilled promise?

For years, Auburn’s defense has been synonymous with dominant pass rushers. The likes of Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson, and Carl Lawson have terrorized quarterbacks, putting Auburn’s defense in the conversation among the best in the country. But the past few seasons have seen a noticeable decline in the Tigers’ pass rush production. In 2022, Auburn ranked in the bottom half of the SEC for sacks, which has sparked frustration among fans and analysts alike.

Auburn’s defensive woes are multifaceted. The team has struggled to find a consistent pass rush, and without pressure on opposing quarterbacks, their secondary has been exposed. When teams have time to sit back in the pocket, they can carve apart Auburn’s coverage, which often leads to big plays downfield. It’s clear that for Auburn to regain its defensive identity, they must find a pass rusher who can cause chaos at the line of scrimmage.

In comes Keyron Crawford, who has the size and athleticism to be that player. But will he be the one to turn Auburn’s pass rush around, or will he fade into the background like so many before him?

Crawford’s potential has never been in question. At 6’4″ and 250 pounds, he has the physical tools to be a nightmare for quarterbacks. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness makes him a natural fit as an edge rusher. During his freshman year, Crawford showed flashes of brilliance, using his athleticism to disrupt plays and create pressure. However, inconsistency has plagued his development. At times, he’s been unable to finish plays, while other times, he’s been swallowed up by bigger, stronger offensive linemen.

The question is whether Crawford can refine his skills enough to make a true impact. As Auburn’s defensive coordinator Ron Roberts has pointed out, Crawford’s potential is evident, but he still has a long way to go in terms of developing a refined pass-rushing technique. He’s had moments of brilliance in practices, showing the ability to get to the quarterback quickly, but he’s also struggled with his hand placement, pad level, and overall technique, which can prevent him from being as effective as he could be.

Crawford’s raw potential is there, but will he be able to harness it consistently? This summer is crucial for him, as it will give him the opportunity to develop those skills and show he can be the playmaker Auburn desperately needs.

One of the major challenges facing Keyron Crawford is the sheer weight of expectations. While there are certainly other talented players on Auburn’s defense, Crawford is viewed as the centerpiece of the Tigers’ pass rush. The absence of an established pass rusher on the roster means that, at least on paper, Crawford will be the one relied upon to take charge.

The problem? Crawford is still young, and this will be just his third season in college football. While his talent is undeniable, being thrust into a leadership position early in his career is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it will force him to grow quickly, but on the other, it could be too much pressure for a player who still has room to grow in his own game. Auburn’s defense has had its fair share of instability in recent years, and having a young player like Crawford take on the role of the primary pass rusher could be a risk that doesn’t pay off.

But what if Crawford embraces this challenge? What if he rises to the occasion, becoming the leader Auburn’s defense needs? His ability to adjust to this newfound responsibility will go a long way in determining whether the Tigers can turn their defensive fortunes around.

Auburn’s defensive line has a depth problem, particularly at edge rusher. While Crawford has the potential to be the go-to pass rusher, the reality is that Auburn cannot rely on just one player to generate consistent pressure. The Tigers need a rotation of capable pass rushers to keep offenses off balance. This is where things could get tricky for Auburn.

Despite Crawford’s potential, the Tigers’ depth at the defensive line and linebacker spots is questionable. Outside of Crawford, Auburn is lacking a proven pass rusher to pair with him. This lack of depth could be problematic if opponents focus all their efforts on stopping Crawford, leaving the rest of the defense to pick up the slack.

Auburn’s coaches are hoping that other players step up, but the lack of a true pass-rushing duo could leave the Tigers vulnerable. If Crawford is constantly facing double teams, he will need other players to step up to keep opposing offenses from keying in on him. But that remains to be seen. Auburn will need at least one or two players to emerge as capable pass rushers, or they risk Crawford being overwhelmed and unable to consistently generate pressure.

With the SEC’s offensive landscape constantly evolving, Auburn’s defense needs to adapt. More teams are leaning on fast-paced, high-scoring offenses, and without a reliable pass rush, Auburn will struggle to keep up. In recent years, offenses like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia have proven that having a strong offensive line and a quarterback who can make quick decisions can neutralize even the best defenses.

The pressure is on Auburn to adjust to this new reality. While their defense has traditionally relied on a bruising, physical style of play, the need for speed and flexibility in today’s SEC is undeniable. Auburn’s defensive coaching staff is hoping that Crawford can bring that much-needed burst of speed and explosiveness to their pass rush, but that won’t be enough on its own. The entire defensive unit must evolve if Auburn is to regain its standing as one of the SEC’s top defenses.

One of the questions surrounding Crawford’s ability to lead the pass rush is whether his skill set fits the modern game. While he is explosive and has the tools to be a dominant force, will he be able to adjust to the increasingly complex and fast-paced offenses in the SEC? Can Auburn’s defense adjust to counter those schemes, or will they continue to fall short in key moments?

Auburn fans are no strangers to watching players fall short of their potential. Over the years, the Tigers have had several players with immense talent who failed to live up to the hype. Crawford’s success, or lack thereof, could go a long way in determining the future of Auburn’s defense under head coach Hugh Freeze.

If Crawford emerges as a reliable pass rusher and a consistent force off the edge, he could become one of Auburn’s most dominant defensive players in recent memory. His success could not only lift Auburn’s defense but also solidify Freeze’s vision for the program. But if Crawford falters, Auburn could find itself scrambling for answers once again.

As the summer practices heat up and the Tigers gear up for the 2023 season, all eyes will be on Crawford. If he can develop into the pass rusher Auburn so desperately needs, he might just be the key to unlocking the Tigers’ defensive potential. But if he can’t, Auburn will find itself right back where it started—searching for a dominant pass rusher while hoping for a defensive breakthrough that may never come.

The next few months will be a defining period for Keyron Crawford and the Auburn Tigers. The pressure is mounting, and the questions surrounding Auburn’s pass rush will only intensify as the season draws closer. Crawford has the chance to rise to the occasion, to be the player that Auburn fans have been waiting for. But will he? Or will he become just another name in the long list of promising pass rushers who failed to deliver?

Only time will tell, but for now, Auburn’s hopes for a return to defensive dominance rest squarely on Crawford’s shoulders. The clock is ticking, and the Tigers need him now more than ever.