NFL Draft: Where Does Auburn Football Stand Among Best Players Available on Day 3?

AUBURN, Ala. — As the 2025 NFL Draft rolls into its final day, the stakes may be lower than the glitz of the first round, but for countless players — and for programs like Auburn — Day 3 represents opportunity, grit, and dreams still waiting to be realized.

After two action-packed days filled with twists, trades, and surprises, Auburn football finds itself with several former Tigers still on the board, poised to hear their names called during the critical Rounds 4 through 7. While not every player from Auburn was expected to go early, Day 3 is traditionally where programs show their depth, and Auburn’s developmental success story could shine bright.

With multiple Auburn standouts still among the best players available, the spotlight shifts to who could be next — and how Auburn’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent could be further cemented.

Let’s dive deep into Auburn’s prospects for Day 3, their draft stock, the best team fits, and what their potential NFL futures could look like.

Auburn Players Still Waiting to Hear Their Names Called

As of the close of Day 2, the following Auburn players remain among the top available talents:

Marcus Harris (DL)
Jaylin Simpson (DB)
Dillon Wade (OL)
Luke Deal (TE)
Justin Rogers (DL)
Nehemiah Pritchett (CB)
Elijah McAllister (EDGE)

Each brings unique skills to the table, and NFL teams in need of depth, versatility, and upside will have plenty to consider when their names pop up on Day 3 boards.

Marcus Harris: A Steal Waiting to Happen?

Position: Defensive Lineman
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 295 lbs
Projected Round: 4th-5th

Marcus Harris has been quietly rising up boards all spring. His tape from 2023 showed a player who was nearly unblockable at times, using his quickness, heavy hands, and football IQ to disrupt offenses both against the run and pass.

Harris may not have ideal length for an NFL defensive end, but his ability to penetrate gaps and command double teams makes him a valuable interior lineman in 4-3 or hybrid fronts. Some scouts have compared him to players like Poona Ford — not flashy, but essential.

Best Fits:

Detroit Lions (need interior depth behind Alim McNeill)
New Orleans Saints (aging D-line)
Buffalo Bills (reload after losing key linemen in free agency)

If Harris lands with a team that knows how to maximize his strengths, he could become a productive rotational player immediately — and maybe even a long-term starter.

Jaylin Simpson: The Swiss Army Knife

Position: Safety/Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 183 lbs
Projected Round: 5th

One of Auburn’s most versatile defenders, Jaylin Simpson brings a Swiss Army knife skill set to the next level. After starting his career as a corner, Simpson transitioned to safety, where he showcased excellent instincts, ball skills (four interceptions in 2024), and closing speed.

His ability to cover tight ends, roam deep zones, or even match up with slot receivers makes him a chess piece for creative defensive coordinators.

Best Fits:

Philadelphia Eagles (revamping their secondary)
Los Angeles Rams (young, athletic secondary)
Seattle Seahawks (love versatile DBs)

While not quite as fast as elite free safeties, Simpson’s instincts, leadership, and physicality will make him a coach’s favorite at the next level.

Dillon Wade: Big Upside in the Trenches

Position: Offensive Tackle/Guard
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 307 lbs
Projected Round: 5th-6th

A transfer from Tulsa, Dillon Wade brought veteran savvy and nasty demeanor to Auburn’s O-line. He played tackle in college but projects more as a guard in the NFL due to arm length concerns.

Still, Wade’s footwork, intelligence, and strength make him a solid developmental pick. He’s a prime Day 3 candidate to sit behind veterans for a year before pushing for a starting job.

Best Fits:

Chicago Bears (need depth everywhere on the O-line)
Cincinnati Bengals (love developmental linemen)
Houston Texans (adding toughness to protect C.J. Stroud)

In a draft thin on surefire interior offensive linemen, Wade’s value could spike higher than expected.

Luke Deal: The Ultimate Team-First Tight End

Position: Tight End
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 255 lbs
Projected Round: 6th-7th

Luke Deal may not put up gaudy receiving numbers, but NFL teams love his old-school mentality. A punishing blocker with reliable hands, Deal was a critical part of Auburn’s run game success and showed enough athleticism to contribute in play-action packages.

In an era where many tight ends are glorified big wide receivers, Deal’s throwback style could make him a niche contributor immediately.

Best Fits:

Baltimore Ravens (always value blocking TEs)
San Francisco 49ers (Kyle Shanahan’s offense loves versatile TEs)
Tennessee Titans (looking to rebuild offensive identity)

Deal could carve out a long NFL career as a TE2 or special teams ace.

Justin Rogers: A Mountain in the Middle

Position: Nose Tackle/Defensive Lineman
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 340 lbs
Projected Round: 6th-7th

After transferring from Kentucky, Rogers anchored Auburn’s defensive line with his sheer size and surprising mobility. While not a pass rusher, Rogers’ ability to eat double teams and clog running lanes is a rare and valuable skill at the NFL level.

His best fit is clearly as a 0-technique or shaded nose in a 3-4 defense.

Best Fits:

Pittsburgh Steelers (classic Steelers-style lineman)
New England Patriots (loves massive, disciplined linemen)
Green Bay Packers (needs better run-stopping)

Rogers won’t fill up the stat sheet, but he will fill gaps — literally.

Nehemiah Pritchett: Speed to Burn

Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 190 lbs
Projected Round: 5th-6th

Pritchett boasts rare straight-line speed (4.32 forty) and good size, making him an intriguing developmental corner for teams that play a lot of press-man or Cover 3.

However, inconsistent ball skills and occasional lapses in zone coverage pushed him to Day 3. If a team can coach him up, Pritchett has the athletic tools to become a steal.

Best Fits:

Miami Dolphins (need speed in Fangio’s defense)
Minnesota Vikings (defensive rebuild underway)
Atlanta Falcons (local connection, CB depth needed)

Pritchett could start his career as a gunner on special teams before working into a rotational DB role.

Elijah McAllister: The Wild Card

Position: EDGE
Height/Weight: 6’6”, 270 lbs
Projected Round: Priority UDFA / 7th round

McAllister has incredible size and length but remains very raw. He flashed moments of brilliance at Auburn but struggled to consistently impact games. Still, edge rushers with his physical tools don’t grow on trees, and a patient coaching staff might unlock something special.

Best Fits:

Dallas Cowboys (always looking for edge depth)
Buffalo Bills (like long, versatile pass rushers)
Indianapolis Colts (rebuild in progress)

Expect McAllister to be a high-priority undrafted free agent if he doesn’t hear his name called late on Day 3.

How Auburn’s Draft Performance Reflects the Program’s Trajectory

Even if none of Auburn’s Day 3 hopefuls become stars overnight, the volume of players in the conversation speaks volumes about the program’s health.

When Hugh Freeze arrived at Auburn, one of his key goals was to develop NFL talent systematically — not just the occasional five-star but three-stars, transfers, and under-the-radar players too. Seeing players like Harris, Simpson, and Deal rise through Auburn’s development system shows that Freeze’s staff has stayed true to that mission.

NFL scouts consistently praised Auburn players during the pre-draft process for their football IQ, toughness, and work ethic — hallmarks of a program on the rise.

“You can tell Auburn guys are coached hard and prepared,” one AFC scouting director told ESPN. “They’re not entitled. They’re hungry.”

Day 3 Expectations: How Many Tigers Will Hear Their Names?

Realistically, four to five Auburn players should be drafted today, with another two or three signing quickly as UDFAs. Here’s a quick prediction:

Drafted (Rounds 4-7): Marcus Harris, Jaylin Simpson, Dillon Wade, Nehemiah Pritchett
Borderline/UFA Candidates: Luke Deal, Justin Rogers, Elijah McAllister

It’s a strong showing — especially considering the heavy attrition Auburn faced after the coaching transition just two years ago.

Auburn’s Recent NFL Draft Trends

For a bit of context, Auburn’s presence in the NFL Draft has fluctuated in recent years:

2023: 3 players drafted
2022: 4 players drafted
2021: 4 players drafted
2020: 6 players drafted

A solid Day 3 this year would keep Auburn firmly in that 4-6 range, a respectable number while the Freeze era continues to build recruiting momentum.

A Day to Celebrate the Journey

For Marcus Harris, Jaylin Simpson, and the others still waiting, today isn’t just about where they get picked — it’s about reaching the NFL dream after years of sacrifice, setbacks, and unseen hard work.

It’s also about Auburn’s broader message: that you can come to the Plains, develop your skills, and chase greatness, even if it doesn’t always come with first-round fanfare.

Whether it’s in the fourth round or as an undrafted free agent, when an Auburn Tiger gets a chance in the NFL, they tend to make the most of it.