The Top Three Auburn Adds by NFL Teams in the 2025 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is more than just a talent acquisition event—it’s a reflection of how the college football world molds its athletes into professionals. For the Auburn Tigers, the 2025 NFL Draft served as a platform to highlight their developmental success. While not loaded with first-round stars this year, Auburn still produced several solid NFL prospects, including three players who are primed to make an impact at the next level.

This article explores the top three Auburn additions by NFL teams in the 2025 NFL Draft: running back Jarquez Hunter (Los Angeles Rams), wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Los Angeles Chargers), and edge rusher Jalen McLeod (Jacksonville Jaguars). Each of these players brings unique traits and storylines that could shape their pro futures—and ultimately make Auburn proud on Sundays.

Jarquez Hunter’s selection by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round might have flown under the radar on a national level, but those who followed his career at Auburn know exactly how impactful he can be. A workhorse with vision, explosiveness, and the ability to produce in the SEC’s most rugged trenches, Hunter was one of the most consistent offensive performers for Auburn over the past three seasons.

Hailing from Philadelphia, Mississippi, Hunter arrived at Auburn as a relatively unheralded 3-star recruit in 2021. However, he immediately made a name for himself with an explosive freshman season, rushing for 593 yards on just 89 carries—good for an eye-popping 6.7 yards per carry.

His breakout came in 2023 when he took over the backfield following the departure of Tank Bigsby. In his final collegiate season (2024), Hunter posted 1,201 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, becoming the focal point of Auburn’s offense.

Hunter runs with a blend of power and patience reminiscent of veteran backs like Mark Ingram and Kareem Hunt. He has excellent balance through contact, natural footwork in tight spaces, and enough burst to break off chunk gains.

At 5’9″, 204 pounds, he isn’t built like Derrick Henry, but he’s sturdy enough to handle NFL punishment. What makes him even more valuable to the Rams is his proficiency in the passing game. He caught over 30 balls during his final two seasons, displaying reliable hands and route running that should allow him to be a factor on third downs.

The Rams, led by head coach Sean McVay, are known for maximizing backfield production. Hunter lands in a system that thrives on zone runs, play-action, and pass-catching backs—all areas that suit his profile. He’ll likely compete immediately for RB2 duties behind Kyren Williams and could carve out a larger role by midseason.

Hunter was Auburn’s most productive and NFL-ready skill player in this draft class. His combination of experience, versatility, and toughness should translate well at the next level.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s collegiate journey was anything but typical. Originally a Penn State product, Lambert-Smith transferred to Auburn in 2024 and instantly became the Tigers’ most dangerous receiver. Despite only spending one season in orange and blue, his impact was significant enough to earn him a spot in the NFL Draft—and he found a home with the Los Angeles Chargers.

In his lone season at Auburn, Lambert-Smith recorded 56 catches for 863 yards and 6 touchdowns. His ability to operate in all three phases—deep routes, intermediate crosses, and quick-hitters—added diversity to Auburn’s offense, which had previously been heavily run-focused.

At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, Lambert-Smith is a smooth route-runner with an extra gear in the open field. His 4.45-second 40-yard dash helped confirm what tape already showed—he can create separation vertically, especially when matched up one-on-one.

The Chargers are in the midst of a wide receiver overhaul. With Keenan Allen gone and Mike Williams recovering from injury, the team desperately needed youthful, explosive options to pair with quarterback Justin Herbert.

Lambert-Smith won’t be asked to be the WR1 right away. However, he’s likely to see immediate playing time as the third or fourth option, especially if he excels on special teams. He’ll be in a system that values spacing, tempo, and quick reads—an ideal environment for a speedster looking to develop his game.

His Auburn tape shows a knack for tracking the deep ball and making contested catches, which bodes well in an offense that thrives on vertical threats.

• Strengths: Top-end speed, burst off the line, smart route concepts
• Weaknesses: Needs to improve route sharpness and separation vs. press
• NFL Comparison: Darnell Mooney with better contested catch ability

While he’s not the most polished receiver in the draft, Lambert-Smith’s potential ceiling is enormous. He possesses traits you can’t teach—speed, fluidity, and big-play ability. The Chargers are betting on his upside, and with Herbert at quarterback, he’s landed in the right place to develop.

Jalen McLeod might not have had the name recognition of some Auburn defenders in years past, but his motor, versatility, and late-career production made him a favorite among scouts looking for value in the later rounds.

After starting his career at Appalachian State, McLeod transferred to Auburn in 2023 and quickly earned a starting role on the edge. His relentless effort, combined with improved technique, led to a senior season that opened NFL eyes.

• 60 total tackles
• 13.5 tackles for loss
• 8 sacks
• 2 forced fumbles

McLeod’s bend and explosion around the edge were noticeable throughout the 2024 campaign, especially in big SEC matchups. He played his best ball late in the season, including a 2-sack performance against Alabama that helped Auburn stay competitive in the Iron Bowl.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in desperate need of rotational edge defenders behind Josh Allen and Travon Walker. McLeod may not be a Day 1 starter, but he has the makeup to be a productive third-down rusher and special teams contributor.

At 6’2″, 241 pounds, McLeod is a bit undersized compared to traditional edge players, but his agility and quick first step make him a nightmare for slower offensive tackles. He also has experience dropping into coverage, making him a hybrid-type linebacker who can play in multiple packages.

• Strengths: Burst off the snap, high motor, positional versatility
• Weaknesses: Undersized, limited anchor vs. run
• NFL Comparison: Haason Reddick-lite

McLeod wasn’t a five-star recruit or a household name, but his production in the SEC, combined with his relentless play style, makes him an ideal late-round flyer. He could quickly become a fan favorite in Jacksonville for his hustle and ability to make plays on limited snaps.

While Auburn didn’t have any players taken in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, their presence was still felt on Day 3. The Tigers’ three most prominent draftees—Jarquez Hunter, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Jalen McLeod—all landed in ideal NFL situations where they can develop, contribute early, and potentially outplay their draft status.

This trio embodies Auburn’s 2024 team identity: resilient, team-first, and hungry. None of them were viewed as surefire stars entering the college ranks, but each carved out a path to the pros through hard work and steady improvement. That ethos should serve them well as they transition to the NFL.

If these players find success at the next level—and there’s reason to believe they will—it could serve as a compelling recruitment narrative for Auburn: even if you’re not a top-50 pick, Auburn can get you to the league with the tools to succeed.

• Jarquez Hunter could become a high-usage weapon in Sean McVay’s offense by season’s end.
• KeAndre Lambert-Smith has the chance to catch passes from one of the league’s most talented QBs in Justin Herbert.
• Jalen McLeod might be the surprise contributor on defense thanks to his relentless energy and nose for the football.

For Auburn fans, the 2025 NFL season will provide plenty of reasons to tune in—not just for the Tigers on Saturdays, but for the ones making their mark on Sundays.