Although this year's draft might not have been as exciting for Auburn fans as previous years, the Tigers still had something to cheer about in the second, third and fourth rounds.
Auburn defensive lineman Sen'Derrick Marks was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round as the 62nd overall pick in the draft, as he chose to forego his final year of eligibility to enter.
Also drafted were defensive back Jerraud Powers and offensive lineman Tyronne Green.
Powers was taken by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round as the 92nd overall pick, while Green was taken by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round and 133rd overall pick.
Marks is the first Auburn player drafted by the Titans since Gary Walker in 1995, when the franchise was the Houston Oilers.
Marks had visited only one franchise, which happened to be the Titans, earlier that month.
"The Titans complex was the only facility that I went to visit, and I really enjoyed it." Marks said. "It was a lot like Auburn's, so I felt very familiar with it. I really liked the d-line coaches and the way they coach. I really liked my visit and enjoyed it."
Marks said he saw a lot of guys go ahead of him that he didn't expect but was happy when his name was finally called.
"A lot of people had me in the second or third round. But I saw a lot of guys go ahead of me that I didn't expect, but it really didn't matter to me. It just feels great."
As a Tiger, the 6-foot-1, 294-pound Marks started 37 games, tallying 114 career tackles which included 30 tackles for a loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks.
Powers is the first Auburn player drafted by the Colts since 2000 when they took linebacker Marcus Washington in the second round.
Powers said he was unsure what team he was going to be playing for but was very pleased with the outcome.
"This is a big day obviously," Powers said. "It's a dream I have been chasing ever since I started playing when I was 5. It's just a blessing. I'm just excited. I'm excited about the future and what it holds."
A native of Decatur, Powers started 23 games at Auburn and had 136 tackles, along with six interceptions.
Green, a 6-foot-2, 309-pound offensive lineman, will join 2006 draftee Marcus McNeill with the San Diego Chargers.
Green started every game during his last two years at on the Plains (25 games), while playing 42 games during his four years at Auburn.
The Pensacola, Fla., native is a two-time recipient of the Ken Rice Blocking Award, which is given every year to Auburn's top blocking lineman.
Including the players that were drafted this year, Auburn has had 26 players drafted since 2004, and at least three players drafted in seven of the last eight years and six consecutive drafts.
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