Auburn Football Summer Report: Is Keyron Crawford About to Become Auburn’s Next Dominant Pass Rusher?

The countdown to the 2025 season is officially on, and all eyes are turning to Auburn’s defensive line. With major holes to fill and high expectations resting on their shoulders, the Tigers are desperate for a new playmaker to take over the defensive front. And while Auburn’s defense has always been known for its dominant pass rush, the question remains: who will step up this year?

The answer might just lie in a name that’s flying under the radar for many—Keyron Crawford. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive end has long been a promising talent, but could 2025 be the year he transforms into Auburn’s defacto pass rusher, a player who wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks and leads the Tigers’ charge on defense?

In the midst of Auburn’s preparation for the upcoming season, there’s growing buzz surrounding Crawford’s potential to be the next elite pass rusher for a program that’s historically prided itself on creating chaos in the backfield. With a mix of strength, speed, and a rapidly developing skill set, Crawford could be the key piece that elevates Auburn’s defense to championship caliber.

But will he live up to the hype? Let’s take a deep dive into the summer buzz surrounding Keyron Crawford, his potential to emerge as Auburn’s top pass rusher, and what it would mean for the Tigers moving forward.

Before we dive into Crawford’s rise, it’s essential to understand the legacy he’s trying to follow. For years, Auburn has been synonymous with elite pass rushers—players who could blow by offensive linemen and put pressure on quarterbacks like few others in college football. Whether it’s been Marlon Davidson, Derrick Brown, or Carl Lawson, Auburn’s reputation as a powerhouse for defensive linemen has been well earned.

But after some key departures, there’s been a noticeable void in the pass-rush department. As the SEC becomes more pass-heavy and high-powered offenses dominate the conference, having a relentless force off the edge is more important than ever. Auburn is in desperate need of someone to step into that role.

In 2025, all eyes will be on Keyron Crawford to fill those big shoes. And so far this summer, the whispers are turning into something louder.

Crawford has always had the physical tools to succeed at the highest level. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, he has the size and strength to hold his ground against offensive linemen while also possessing enough speed and agility to get after the quarterback. However, the key to his breakout this season lies in his ability to put all those tools together.

Since joining Auburn, Crawford has steadily improved in terms of his pass-rushing technique, but the true spark to his rise seems to have ignited this past summer. Reports from Auburn’s offseason workouts have been glowing, with many insiders pointing to Crawford’s relentless work ethic and his ability to improve his first-step burst and hand technique as major reasons why he could be poised for a breakout campaign.

According to defensive line coach Nick Williams, Crawford’s ability to “play with urgency” has been a noticeable shift this summer. “He’s always had the physical tools,” Williams said in a recent interview. “But this year, he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. He’s determined to show everyone what he can do, and he’s putting in the work to back it up. That’s what we need from him.”

One of the biggest improvements for Crawford has been his ability to shed blockers and create pressure on passing downs. With improved hand placement and a more refined pass-rush repertoire, he looks like he could finally take that next step into being a complete edge rusher. These improvements have led many to believe that Crawford could become a consistent force on Auburn’s defense in 2025.

If you’re wondering how Crawford stacks up against some of Auburn’s past pass rushers—players like Carl Lawson and Marlon Davidson—it’s worth noting that while Crawford may not have the same natural explosiveness that Lawson once did, he possesses a unique combination of size and technical skills that could make him just as dangerous.

Unlike some of Auburn’s past stars who were more about pure speed and power, Crawford has developed into a more well-rounded rusher. His ability to mix up his pass-rush moves—speed to power, inside moves, and even a spin move—has been one of the most encouraging signs this summer. Crawford has the power to overwhelm offensive tackles but is now adding the finesse needed to beat them with technique as well.

Where Crawford also stands out is in his football IQ. He has a better understanding of when to make certain moves and how to read the offensive lineman’s positioning. For a pass rusher, this is a crucial skill, and Crawford seems to be putting it all together just at the right time.

While it may take some time for Crawford to fully dominate the SEC, if his development continues at the rate it’s going, Auburn fans can expect to see his name frequently mentioned on game days, particularly when the Tigers need a crucial sack in a close game.

If there’s one knock on Crawford’s career so far, it’s been his inconsistency. While he’s shown flashes of greatness, there have been moments where he’s struggled to keep his motor running at the same level for a full game. The pass-rush positions that Auburn has had in the past have been relentless in their approach—always coming at quarterbacks with high intensity.

To truly become Auburn’s de facto pass rusher, Crawford will need to prove that he can do that on every single snap. He’ll need to show that he can be a dominant force for four quarters, not just during the highlight moments. For a defensive player in the SEC, this is a tall task, and it’s where Auburn’s coaches will be focusing their efforts as the season approaches.

Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts has been working closely with Crawford to ensure he’s mentally prepared for the grind of an SEC season. The physical tools are there; it’s the mental aspect of consistently bringing it that will determine Crawford’s success.

Another factor that could influence Crawford’s development is the state of Auburn’s defensive line as a whole. Auburn’s defensive front has been in transition, with several players either leaving or still developing. As the leader of the defensive line, Crawford will need help from other players to ensure that he doesn’t face constant double teams.

There’s some optimism around Dylan Brooks, who’s been working as a complementary edge rusher. If Brooks can live up to his potential, he could take some of the heat off Crawford, allowing him to make more plays in the backfield. Additionally, Jayson Jones, a powerful interior defensive lineman, could provide that push up the middle to collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks to step into Crawford’s path.

It’s a unit that’s still finding its rhythm, but the offseason work and individual growth from players like Crawford suggest that Auburn’s defensive line could be poised for a resurgence.

For Keyron Crawford, success in 2025 isn’t about just accumulating sacks—though that certainly matters. What will really set him apart is his ability to consistently generate pressure and disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. If Crawford can develop into someone who can influence games on a weekly basis, he’ll quickly earn a reputation as one of the top pass rushers in the SEC.

Look for Crawford to potentially reach double-digit sacks, but even more importantly, his ability to collapse the pocket, force hurried throws, and create havoc on passing downs will be the true measure of his success. As a junior, he’s in a prime position to make his mark, and the leadership of Hugh Freeze and Nick Williams could be the catalyst that pushes him to new heights.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Keyron Crawford and Auburn football. With the defensive line needing a new leader, Crawford has the chance to step up and become the player who defines Auburn’s defense in the years to come. If he can stay consistent, develop his game even further, and maintain his upward trajectory, he could become a force to be reckoned with.

Fans will be watching closely to see if Keyron Crawford can live up to the hype and take his game to a new level. One thing is clear: the pressure is on, and the stage is set for him to prove that he’s Auburn’s next great pass rusher. Will he rise to the occasion? The 2025 season will tell us everything we need to know.