The NFL draft will commence later this month, and three former Tigers are in a great position to join a professional team.
Defensive backs DJ James, Jaylin Simpson, and Nehemiah Pritchett have the best chance to represent Auburn in this year’s NFL draft and have been included in a respectable list ahead of this year’s event. Jeff Risdon of Draft Wire recently dropped his big board, which ranks the top 200 players in this year’s NFL draft. James, Simpson, and Pritchett have all earned a spot on the list due to their high NFL potential.
James kicks off Auburn’s representation at No. 124. In two seasons at Auburn, James recorded 75 total tackles with three interceptions. According to a recent mock draft from 33rdTeam, James will be the first former Tiger taken in this year’s draft. 33rdTeam predicts the Minnesota Vikings to choose James with their No. 103 pick in the 4th round.
Simpson is next at No. 137. Simpson is known for coining the phrase “Plankton Mentality”, and played with such passion that he picked off five passes through the team’s first five games last season. Simpson is expected to be a 5th or 6th-round pick, with the highest projection being No. 148 overall to the Carolina Panthers according to Chad Reuter of NFL.com.
Lastly, Pritchett concludes the list at No. 147. Despite the low ranking, Pritchett could be taken anywhere from the 3rd round to the 5th round. Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball projects Pritchett to go in the 3rd round, No. 75 overall to the Chicago Bears while Matt Miller of ESPN expects the Minnesota Vikings to take Pritchett with their No. 167 pick in the 5th round.
Defensive linemen Justin Rogers and Marcus Harris join James, Pritchett, and Simpson for draft consideration. The 2024 NFL draft will begin Thursday, April 25, and will last until Saturday, April 27.
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