The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and three former Auburn football players have found their professional homes. As one of the most storied programs in college football, Auburn University continues to produce elite talent, and this year’s draft class was no different. The players who made their way into the NFL are not only the culmination of years of hard work and development but also a testament to Auburn’s ability to nurture top-tier athletes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these three players, their journeys from Auburn to the NFL, and what their future holds.
The 2025 NFL Draft: A Turning Point for Auburn Football
For Auburn football, the 2025 NFL Draft was another chapter in the story of a program known for producing both legendary athletes and fierce competitors. This year’s draft, however, holds particular significance as it highlights the ongoing success of Auburn’s football development under head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff. The three players selected represent different positions and skill sets, but all share the same goal: to make an impact at the next level.
These three players are a reflection of the deep talent pool at Auburn, a program that has continuously churned out first-round picks and NFL-caliber players year after year. From elite wide receivers to dominant defensive players, Auburn has maintained its reputation as a breeding ground for future NFL stars.
Player 1: Jake Thornton – Offensive Lineman
Position: Offensive Tackle
NFL Team: Chicago Bears
Draft Round: 1st Round (Pick 9)
Jake Thornton, a massive 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackle, was one of the first players from Auburn to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. His selection to the Chicago Bears in the first round comes as no surprise. For years, Thornton was the anchor of the Auburn offensive line, known for his power, discipline, and ability to protect his quarterback.
Thornton’s journey to the NFL started when he was recruited out of high school as a four-star recruit. After spending his first few years developing under Auburn’s system, Thornton took over as a starter and quickly became one of the best tackles in the SEC. His blend of size, strength, and quickness made him a force to be reckoned with in the trenches. He excelled in both the run and pass game, often silencing critics who questioned whether he could handle elite competition. With Thornton, Auburn’s offense became far more dynamic, as his blocking allowed for more freedom in both the passing and running game.
Thornton’s success at Auburn was highlighted by his consistency and leadership. He was a captain and one of the most dependable players on the roster. His ability to lead by example was a key reason Auburn’s offensive line was consistently ranked among the best in the country.
After a standout career at Auburn, Thornton has taken his talents to the NFL, where the Bears are hoping he can bring stability to their offensive line. The Bears, in need of a franchise tackle, will be looking to Thornton to be a cornerstone of their line for the years to come. With his size, strength, and athleticism, Thornton has all the tools necessary to thrive in the NFL.
What to Expect in the NFL: Chicago has been rebuilding their offense over the past few seasons, and Thornton’s addition is a significant step forward. He will likely start from day one and could be tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blindside, a role that will test his ability to handle elite pass rushers. While Thornton’s game is still developing, his physical gifts and experience in one of the toughest conferences in college football give him a great foundation to succeed in the NFL.
Player 2: Caleb Johnson – Wide Receiver
Position: Wide Receiver
NFL Team: Tennessee Titans
Draft Round: 2nd Round (Pick 46)
Caleb Johnson, Auburn’s star wide receiver, was another player who left his mark on the 2025 NFL Draft. The Titans, known for their hard-nosed football style, selected Johnson in the second round to bolster their passing game. Johnson, who had an electric college career at Auburn, will bring an element of speed and explosiveness to Tennessee’s offense.
Johnson’s journey to the NFL is one of perseverance and hard work. Originally coming to Auburn as a highly ranked recruit, Johnson had to battle through early injuries before finally breaking out as a true threat on the field. In his junior and senior years, Johnson became one of the most dangerous receivers in the SEC, frequently being a go-to target for Auburn quarterbacks. His ability to make contested catches, run sharp routes, and stretch the field vertically made him one of the most dynamic players in college football.
At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Johnson is the perfect blend of size, speed, and agility. His combination of route running and deep-threat potential made him a favorite target in Auburn’s high-powered offense, where he showcased his ability to make plays all over the field. Johnson finished his Auburn career with over 3,000 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, numbers that turned heads during his draft evaluation.
For the Tennessee Titans, Johnson’s selection represents a shift towards a more dynamic, pass-heavy offense. While Tennessee is known for its strong running game led by Derrick Henry, the team has been looking for a playmaking receiver to complement their ground attack. Johnson has the potential to be that player, capable of opening up the offense with his ability to create big plays and stretch the field.
What to Expect in the NFL: Johnson will likely step in as a top receiver for Tennessee, where he will be tasked with providing a deep threat and helping to balance out the offense. While the Titans have had success with a run-heavy offense, Johnson’s skill set gives them the ability to open up their passing game and stretch defenses. With Ryan Tannehill or a potential new quarterback under center, Johnson could quickly become one of the team’s top targets and an important piece of their future success.
Player 3: Marlon Reed – Defensive Back
Position: Cornerback
NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys
Draft Round: 3rd Round (Pick 76)
Marlon Reed, a standout cornerback for Auburn, was the third player from the Tigers to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Dallas Cowboys chose Reed in the third round, solidifying their defense with a talented, physical cornerback. Reed’s ability to cover both man-to-man and zone assignments, along with his knack for making big plays, made him a top target for teams looking to upgrade their secondary.
Reed’s career at Auburn was marked by his relentless work ethic and ability to shut down top-tier receivers. Over the course of his Auburn career, Reed emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC, and his coverage skills were on display against some of the most talented receivers in college football. Reed’s combination of size, speed, and football IQ allowed him to excel in both press coverage and off-coverage schemes. He also showed great anticipation and playmaking ability, picking off passes and breaking up critical throws in key moments.
Reed’s strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further solidified his status as one of the top defensive backs in the draft class. With a 4.40-second 40-yard dash time, impressive agility drills, and his ability to turn and run with top receivers, Reed’s skills were put on full display. His reputation for being a lockdown corner has followed him into the NFL, and the Cowboys believe that Reed will be a key asset to their defense for years to come.
What to Expect in the NFL: Reed will likely start as a rotational player in the Cowboys’ secondary, but with his talent and potential, he could quickly move into a starting role. The Cowboys, known for their aggressive defense and strong secondary, will benefit from Reed’s ability to match up with physical receivers and make plays on the ball. As he develops and gains more experience, Reed has the potential to become one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
Auburn’s Continued Legacy in the NFL
The 2025 NFL Draft was a testament to the enduring legacy of Auburn football. As three former Tigers found new professional homes, it’s clear that Auburn continues to produce top-tier talent capable of making an immediate impact at the next level. Whether it’s Jake Thornton anchoring an offensive line, Caleb Johnson stretching the field as a dynamic wide receiver, or Marlon Reed locking down opposing pass catchers, these three players represent the future of Auburn’s success in the NFL.
For Auburn fans, it’s an exciting time to watch these players take the next step in their careers. The Tigers have once again proven that their football program is one of the best in the country at developing elite athletes, and these three players are just the latest in a long line of Auburn stars who will go on to shine in the NFL. As they embark on their professional journeys, all eyes will be on the 2025 NFL Draft class to see how they continue to contribute to the legacy of Auburn football.
