Auburn Football: Who Are the Best Available Tigers Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft?

AUBURN, Ala. — As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, Auburn football once again finds itself squarely in the spotlight. Despite not having a surefire first-round pick this year, the Tigers boast an impressive stable of prospects who could hear their names called during the draft’s three-day spectacle.

This group of Auburn players features battle-tested veterans, athletic marvels, versatile defensive backs, and hard-nosed linemen. These are not just players who can fill out a roster — they are prospects capable of contributing early and carving out lengthy NFL careers.

Let’s dive deep into the best available Auburn Tigers ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, ideal fits, and draft projections.

1. Marcus Harris — Defensive Lineman

Height/Weight: 6’3”, 295 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 3-4

Marcus Harris might not be the flashiest name, but he’s arguably the safest bet among Auburn’s draft-eligible players. After transferring from Kansas, Harris blossomed on the Plains, turning into a consistent disruptive force along the defensive line.

In 2024, Harris posted career-best numbers in tackles for loss and sacks while earning All-SEC honors. His quick first step, natural leverage, and strong hand usage allow him to excel in both the pass rush and run defense.

Strengths:

Explosive off the snap
Technically sound with his hands
Versatile — can play 3-tech, 4i, or even nose in some schemes

Weaknesses:

Lacks prototypical length
Not a dominant bull rusher

Ideal NFL Fits:

Philadelphia Eagles: Would thrive in a rotation-heavy system.
Cleveland Browns: Could play beside Myles Garrett and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Draft Outlook: Harris is expected to be a mid-round pick who could quickly become part of an NFL team’s interior rotation.

2. Jaylin Simpson — Defensive Back

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 183 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 4-5

One of the more intriguing players in this draft class, Jaylin Simpson has worn many hats during his Auburn career — cornerback, safety, and nickel defender. That versatility is gold in today’s NFL, where hybrid players who can cover multiple roles are increasingly coveted.

Simpson’s ball skills, field awareness, and football intelligence stand out. He has a knack for reading quarterbacks and anticipating throws, making him a true turnover creator.

Strengths:

Exceptional ball skills and instincts
Fluid hips and quick feet
Versatile: can play deep safety, nickel, or even outside corner in a pinch

Weaknesses:

Needs to bulk up to handle NFL physicality
Inconsistent tackling technique

Ideal NFL Fits:

Los Angeles Rams: Love hybrid DBs who can cover and tackle.
Detroit Lions: Could be molded into a starting free safety.

Draft Outlook: Simpson should hear his name called by the end of the fifth round. He could develop into a starting NFL safety within two seasons.

3. Dillon Wade — Offensive Lineman

Height/Weight: 6’4”, 307 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 5

Dillon Wade transferred from Tulsa and became a reliable anchor on Auburn’s offensive front. While he primarily played left tackle in college, NFL teams are eyeing him as a potential guard due to his quick feet, strong anchor, and lower-body strength.

His technique and understanding of leverage make up for some physical limitations.

Strengths:

Quick hands and solid pass protection technique
Good awareness picking up blitzes and stunts
Positional flexibility (guard/tackle versatility)

Weaknesses:

Limited arm length for NFL tackle duties
Can struggle against elite speed rushers

Ideal NFL Fits:

Houston Texans: Need versatile depth along the OL.
Chicago Bears: Could develop into a starting guard.

Draft Outlook: Wade profiles as a developmental starter — he could become a Day 3 steal for a team willing to be patient.

4. Nehemiah Pritchett — Cornerback

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 190 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 5-6

Few prospects offer as much raw speed as Nehemiah Pritchett. With a blistering 4.32-second 40-yard dash time, Pritchett can match up with any receiver in the NFL vertically.

He’s a bit raw in his technique and needs refinement in zone coverage, but his physical tools are undeniable.

Strengths:

Elite recovery speed
Fluid athlete in man coverage
Experience in SEC competition

Weaknesses:

Struggles with physical receivers
Needs to improve ball tracking

Ideal NFL Fits:

Atlanta Falcons: Looking to rebuild their secondary.
New York Giants: Need speed on the perimeter.

Draft Outlook: Pritchett’s traits alone should get him drafted, and he’ll likely contribute early on special teams while he refines his craft as a corner.

5. Luke Deal — Tight End

Height/Weight: 6’5”, 255 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 6-7

Luke Deal isn’t a receiving threat in the mold of Travis Kelce, but he’s one of the best blocking tight ends available this year.

In today’s NFL, a tight end who can handle blocking assignments is still incredibly valuable, especially for run-heavy teams.

Strengths:

Outstanding run blocker
Good understanding of leverage and angles
Reliable hands in limited passing reps

Weaknesses:

Average athlete
Not a downfield threat

Ideal NFL Fits:

Baltimore Ravens: Perfect fit for their two-TE sets.
Green Bay Packers: Could contribute in their run-heavy packages.

Draft Outlook: Deal will likely be a late-round pick or high-priority undrafted signing. He could find a niche role early in his career.

6. Justin Rogers — Defensive Tackle

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 340 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 7

If your team needs someone to clog the middle and dominate against the run, Justin Rogers is your guy.

Rogers’ size makes him a natural two-gap player. He’s a plug-and-play nose tackle who won’t offer much pass rush but will command double teams and open up lanes for linebackers.

Strengths:

Immovable in the run game
Commands double teams
Ideal size for a 3-4 nose tackle

Weaknesses:

Limited pass-rush upside
Stamina concerns at times

Ideal NFL Fits:

Pittsburgh Steelers: Love big, tough interior defenders.
New England Patriots: Classic Belichick-style run stopper.

Draft Outlook: Rogers will likely be a late seventh-round pick or priority free agent. His size will guarantee multiple opportunities.

7. Elijah McAllister — Edge Rusher

Height/Weight: 6’6”, 270 lbs
Draft Projection: Priority UDFA

McAllister brings prototype size and impressive length off the edge but has been more of a tease than a finished product throughout his college career.

NFL teams love his tools but will need to be patient in developing him into a rotational pass-rusher.

Strengths:

Great length and frame
Flashes of pass-rushing ability
High-effort player

Weaknesses:

Raw technique
Struggled to consistently produce

Ideal NFL Fits:

Buffalo Bills: Strong developmental program.
Dallas Cowboys: Always looking for pass-rush upside.

Draft Outlook: McAllister will likely sign as a priority UDFA and could sneak onto a 53-man roster with strong special teams play.

Auburn’s Draft Class at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of Auburn’s draft-eligible prospects:

Player	Position	Best Round Projection
Marcus Harris	DL	Round 3-4
Jaylin Simpson	DB	Round 4-5
Dillon Wade	OL	Round 5
Nehemiah Pritchett	CB	Round 5-6
Luke Deal	TE	Round 6-7
Justin Rogers	DL	Round 7
Elijah McAllister	EDGE	UDFA

Auburn’s 2025 NFL Draft Impact

While Auburn may not have a first-round superstar in 2025, the Tigers’ draft class is loaded with NFL-ready players who bring toughness, versatility, and intelligence to the next level.

Why Auburn’s NFL Impact Still Matters:

Recruiting: NFL success remains one of the biggest selling points on the recruiting trail.
Culture: The number of Auburn players drafted — even in the middle rounds — is a testament to the Tigers’ ability to develop talent.
Program Health: Having multiple players drafted shows that Hugh Freeze is not starting from scratch but building on a strong foundation.

If things go well, Auburn could see six or even seven players drafted this year — a massive statement to potential recruits and a boost for the program’s national reputation.

As the draft unfolds, keep an eye out for Tigers making their NFL dreams come true — and setting the stage for Auburn’s next generation of stars.