Auburn University’s football program has consistently produced talented athletes who have gone on to have successful careers in the National Football League (NFL). As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, Auburn is once again expected to have a handful of prospects vying for selection. One of the most exciting players in the class is running back Jarquez Hunter, whose skills on the field have made him one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft. Along with Hunter, several other Auburn players are expected to make their mark as well, and their performances in the 2024 season will likely determine their draft stock.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top Auburn prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, with a particular focus on Jarquez Hunter, and explore their potential, strengths, weaknesses, and projections for the future.
Jarquez Hunter: A Star Running Back
Jarquez Hunter, a dynamic running back for Auburn, is arguably the most notable draft prospect from the program for the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter’s journey to Auburn was a highly anticipated one, and he has lived up to the hype by establishing himself as one of the top ball carriers in the SEC. Standing at 5’10” and weighing around 210 pounds, Hunter possesses a well-rounded skill set that has made him a reliable weapon in Auburn’s offense.
Strengths:
- Vision and Patience: One of the standout qualities of Hunter’s game is his ability to read the field and anticipate plays as they develop. His vision allows him to find holes and make quick decisions about where to run. He is also known for his patience, waiting for his offensive line to open up lanes and setting up his moves at the line of scrimmage. This makes him an effective runner, capable of picking up yards even when things aren’t perfectly blocked.
- Acceleration and Burst: Hunter is explosive once he finds an opening. His burst through the line of scrimmage allows him to get to the second level quickly, often turning potential 5-yard gains into much larger plays. His acceleration is a key factor in breaking away from defenders, and once he hits the open field, he can be difficult to catch.
- Physicality and Toughness: At 210 pounds, Hunter has the ideal frame for an NFL running back, and he uses his size well. He has no problem absorbing contact and powering through tacklers, often gaining extra yards after first contact. This ability to fight for extra yards and churn out tough carries makes him a reliable option on third-and-short or goal-line situations.
- Pass Protection and Receiving: Although Hunter is primarily known for his rushing ability, he has shown growth as a pass blocker and receiving back. He understands how to pick up blitzes, and his hands as a receiver out of the backfield add another dimension to his game. As offenses in the NFL have evolved into pass-heavy systems, having a versatile running back who can contribute in multiple areas is a huge asset.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistency in Decision-Making: While Hunter is generally patient and has excellent vision, there are moments when his decision-making can be questionable. Sometimes he’ll hesitate or take too long to commit to a run, allowing defenders to close in on him. Additionally, he can occasionally overrun plays or try to bounce runs outside when cutting inside might be the better option.
- Top-End Speed: While Hunter has excellent acceleration, his top-end speed could be a concern at the next level. He is fast but not necessarily a burner who can outrun NFL defenders once they get into pursuit mode. This limits his ability to consistently break long runs. Nonetheless, his burst and vision should make up for this weakness in most situations.
- Ball Security: As with many young running backs, Hunter has occasionally struggled with ball security. Fumbles can be a major issue for running backs, and NFL teams will be paying close attention to this area of his game. If he can clean up his ball-handling, he could become a more complete and reliable player.
Projection:
Hunter has the potential to be a day-two pick (2nd or 3rd round) in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially if he can refine his skills in the areas of decision-making and ball security. His ability to be an all-around back will make him an appealing prospect for teams looking for a workhorse in their backfield. With an impressive combine showing and continued strong performances during the 2024 season, Hunter could even elevate his stock to a late first-round pick.
Other Auburn Prospects to Watch
While Hunter is the most high-profile Auburn prospect, there are several other players from the team who are worth keeping an eye on for the 2025 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at some of the other standouts who could be selected in the upcoming draft.
1. Cam Riley – Linebacker
Cam Riley, a linebacker for Auburn, is one of the most athletic players on the defense. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 225 pounds, Riley has the length and speed to be a factor both in coverage and against the run. His versatility is one of his biggest assets. He can cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, and he is effective as a tackler in space.
Strengths:
- Great sideline-to-sideline range.
- Ability to cover running backs and tight ends in coverage.
- Strong tackler, especially in open space.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to refine his instincts and ability to diagnose plays faster.
- Could benefit from adding more muscle to handle blockers at the next level.
Projection: Riley has the physical tools to be a second- or third-round pick if he can improve his instincts and overall football IQ. His ability to play all three downs makes him an intriguing prospect.
2. Eugene Asante – Linebacker
Eugene Asante is another linebacker who could make an impact at the next level. Asante is a little smaller than Riley, at 6’0″ and 215 pounds, but he makes up for it with his quickness and tackling ability. He’s particularly effective in coverage and can be used as a blitzer in passing situations.
Strengths:
- Excellent speed and agility for his size.
- Strong tackler who wraps up well.
- Ability to cover in space and work in pass-rushing situations.
Weaknesses:
- Struggles to shed blocks when engaged at the line of scrimmage.
- Needs to improve his awareness and ability to read plays.
Projection: Asante has the potential to be a day-three pick in the draft (4th-6th round). His speed and coverage skills will be attractive to teams looking for a versatile linebacker.
3. Keiondre Jones – Offensive Line
Keiondre Jones, an offensive guard for Auburn, has the size and strength to make an impact at the next level. Standing at 6’3″ and 320 pounds, he has the physicality needed to play in the NFL. Jones is an effective run blocker who can move defenders off the ball and create holes for running backs.
Strengths:
- Powerful run blocker.
- Strong and can anchor against bull rushes.
- Consistent in pass protection.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to improve his lateral movement and footwork.
- Can be inconsistent with hand placement in blocking.
Projection: Jones has the potential to be a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent depending on his performance at the combine and in the 2024 season. His ability to start at guard in the NFL will be highly valued.
4. Jarrett Stidham – Quarterback (Potential Future)
Though Jarrett Stidham has already spent some time in the NFL after transferring to Auburn from Baylor, there is still interest in his progression. As a quarterback prospect, he would likely be a backup who develops over time in a new system.
The 2025 NFL Draft offers a variety of intriguing prospects from Auburn University, with Jarquez Hunter leading the charge. His blend of size, speed, and versatility has made him one of the top running backs in college football, and his ability to contribute in all phases of the game makes him a strong candidate for a high pick. Along with him, players like Cam Riley, Eugene Asante, and Keiondre Jones have the potential to make their mark in the NFL, depending on their performances during the 2024 season.
Auburn’s continued development of these players will be pivotal to their draft status, but one thing is clear: the 2025 NFL Draft will feature several Auburn Tigers who could become household names in the professional football world.
