After having only one player selected in the 2012 NFL Draft, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. thinks Auburn can triple that number in 2013.
Defensive end Corey Lemonier, tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and running back Onterio McCalebb were the only Auburn players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Despite that, Kiper said in a conference call Wednesday morning that all three have the potential to be chosen and be spared the frustration of undrafted free agency.
Offensive lineman Brandon Moseley was the only Auburn draftee last year, going in the fourth round to the New York Giants before spending the season on injured reserve with an ankle injury.
Lemonier, Auburn's top prospect, can be drafted anywhere from the first to the third round, according to Kiper.
The 6-foot-4-inch, 246 pound defensive end began the 2012 season with five sacks in the first four games, but had only half a sack the rest of the season.
"There were some games, to me, where he was neutralized mid to late season after looking like early in the year he was going to be a guaranteed mid-first rounder, at worst a late-first rounder," Kiper said. "Now he looks like a second or third rounder. I see second more than the third right now."
Lemonier's upside could still earn him a first round selection, however.
He had a breakout season in 2011, registering 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss.
In addition, Lemonier's lanky frame and burst off the edge make him a versatile commodity at the next level where he projects as either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.
For McCalebb, Auburn's ninth-leading rusher of all time, it's all about the speed.
"That's the thing. He can fly," Kiper said of McCalebb's speed. "I would say if he runs the kind of 40 he's capable of ,he's going to interest some people. There's no question he's one of the faster players in this draft. He'll run in the 4.3's, at worst in the low 4.4's. I think his speed is going to open up some opportunities for him on day three."
The only legitimate knock on McCalebb, who averaged 6.4 yards per carry over his four-year career, is his size.
McCalebb weighed in at 164 pounds at the Senior Bowl, the lightest of any player there.
His speed and small frame make him comparable to former Ole Miss running back Dexter McCluster or former LSU gadget player Trindon Holliday.
McCluster was drafted in the second round by Kansas City, but Holliday was drafted in the sixth round by the Houston Texans, showing that predicting McCalebb's draft spot may be a bit tricky.
Kiper, however, is predicting that McCalebb's phone won't ring until at least the fifth round.
Lutzenkirchen is in a similar situation as McCalebb, albeit for a different reason.
Affectionately called "Lutzy" by the Auburn faithful, Lutzenkirchen became an instant star for the Tigers and is the career leader in touchdowns by an Auburn tight end.
His season-ending hip injury and an inept offense in 2012 marred his chance to finish his career on a high note, but Kiper said the Marietta, Ga. native could still be a late round selection "due to his versatility," according to Kiper.
Cornerback T'Sharvan Bell, guard John Sullen, receiver Emory Blake and now-safety Daren Bates are also draft eligible, but will have to utilize Auburn's Pro Day on Tuesday, March 5, to impress NFL scouts.
The NFL Draft will take place April 25-27.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
