Auburn Tigers: Forging Future NFL Stars in the 2025 Draft
The Auburn Tigers football program has a rich history of producing talented players who have gone on to successful careers in the National Football League. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, several Auburn players are hoping to hear their names called and embark on their professional journeys. While the Tigers’ 2024 season concluded with a 5-7 record, individual standouts have emerged as potential draft prospects, showcasing their skills and potential to NFL scouts. This article delves into the top Auburn players who could be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, analyzing their strengths, potential landing spots, and draft projections.
Several Auburn players have garnered attention from NFL scouts throughout the 2024 season and the subsequent pre-draft process. While projections can fluctuate, a few names consistently appear on draft boards. Running back Jarquez Hunter has been a standout for the Tigers, demonstrating explosive speed and agility. His impressive 2024 season, where he rushed for 1,201 yards and eight touchdowns, has solidified his status as a legitimate NFL prospect. Hunter further boosted his draft stock with an impressive performance at the 2025 NFL Combine, clocking a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and showcasing his athleticism in other drills. While some scouting reports suggest his size (5’10”) might be a concern for some teams, his production and combine numbers have undoubtedly turned heads. Projections for Hunter vary, with some suggesting a mid-to-late round selection.
Wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a graduate transfer to Auburn for the 2024 season, also impressed scouts with his playmaking ability. Leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, Lambert-Smith displayed his speed and route-running skills. His performance at the NFL Combine, highlighted by a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, further showcased his athleticism. Despite not receiving an invitation to the Senior Bowl, Lambert-Smith’s combine performance likely improved his draft prospects, potentially positioning him as a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent. Some analysts believe his speed could translate well to the NFL level, despite some concerns about his overall size and physicality.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Eugene Asante emerged as a leader for the Tigers in 2024. Recording 45 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, Asante showcased his athleticism and playmaking ability. His impressive performance at the NFL Combine, where he posted top numbers among linebackers in the 40-yard dash (4.48 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.52 seconds), has likely elevated his draft stock. Asante’s speed and athleticism could make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a versatile linebacker. While not consistently projected to be drafted, his combine performance has undoubtedly put him on the radar of several NFL teams.
Edge rusher Jalen McLeod also warrants attention as a potential draftee. Leading the team with eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024, McLeod demonstrated his pass-rushing prowess. While his size (6’1″) might be a concern for some teams, his production in the SEC cannot be ignored. McLeod’s ability to get after the quarterback is a valuable asset, and he could be a late-round selection for a team looking to bolster its pass rush. He participated in the 2025 NFL Combine, providing further opportunities to showcase his skills to NFL personnel.
Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather is another Auburn player who could hear his name called in the later rounds. While his production in 2024 didn’t match his previous season’s numbers, his size (6’5″, 245 lbs) and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. NFL teams often value athletic tight ends with blocking potential, and Fairweather possesses those traits. Linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr., punter Oscar Chapman, and safety Jerrin Thompson are other Auburn players who could potentially garner interest from NFL teams as late-round picks or undrafted free agents. Their performances in the 2024 season and any pre-draft workouts will be crucial in determining their professional futures.
Predicting the exact landing spots for these Auburn prospects is challenging, as team needs and draft board philosophies vary significantly across the league. However, we can identify potential fits based on team needs and playing styles.
Jarquez Hunter (RB): Teams looking for an explosive running back with receiving ability could be interested in Hunter. Potential fits include teams like the Los Angeles Rams, who have historically valued speed in their running backs, or the Miami Dolphins, known for their outside zone running scheme that could suit Hunter’s agility.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR): Teams seeking a fast receiver who can stretch the field could target Lambert-Smith. The Kansas City Chiefs, always looking for dynamic offensive weapons, or the Philadelphia Eagles, who value speed at the receiver position, could be potential landing spots.
Eugene Asante (LB): Teams in need of an athletic and versatile linebacker who can contribute on special teams could be interested in Asante. The Baltimore Ravens, known for their strong linebacker play and special teams focus, or the Green Bay Packers, who have been looking to add speed to their linebacker corps, could be potential fits.
Jalen McLeod (EDGE): Teams seeking to add pass-rushing depth, particularly those employing 3-4 defensive schemes that value speed off the edge, could target McLeod. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who consistently prioritize pass rushers, or the Arizona Cardinals, who are rebuilding their defense, might show interest.
Rivaldo Fairweather (TE): Teams looking for a developmental tight end with receiving upside and blocking potential could consider Fairweather. The New York Giants, who have a need at the tight end position, or the Cincinnati Bengals, who value versatility in their tight ends, could be potential fits.
It’s important to note that these are just speculative landing spots based on current team needs and player profiles. The actual draft is often unpredictable, with surprises occurring in every round.
Historically, Auburn has produced a significant number of NFL draft picks. Since the NFL draft began in 1936, over 300 Auburn players have been selected, including several first-round picks and four overall number one selections: Cam Newton (2011), Aundray Bruce (1988), Bo Jackson (1986), and Tucker Frederickson (1965). In recent years, Auburn has consistently had players drafted, showcasing the program’s ability to develop talent for the next level. In the 2024 NFL Draft, five Auburn players were selected: Nehemiah Pritchett, Jaylin Simpson, D.J. James, Justin Rogers, and Marcus Harris. The 2023 draft saw five more Tigers get drafted, including Derick Hall and Tank Bigsby. This consistent representation in the NFL draft highlights Auburn’s tradition of producing quality football players.
The 2025 NFL Draft holds significant promise for several Auburn players. While the team’s overall record in 2024 might not reflect the individual talent present, prospects like Jarquez Hunter, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Eugene Asante, and Jalen McLeod have the potential to make an impact at the professional level. Their performances throughout their college careers and during the pre-draft process have provided NFL teams with ample film and data to evaluate their potential. As the draft unfolds, Auburn fans will be eagerly watching to see where these talented Tigers will begin their NFL journeys, hoping they will add to the program’s proud legacy in professional football. The draft represents not just an individual achievement for these players but also a continuation of Auburn’s tradition of developing athletes who can excel at the highest level of the game.
