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A spirit that is not afraid

Where the experts think Auburn's NFL hopefuls will go in the draft

<p>Darius Slayton (81) runs with the ball during Auburn Football vs. Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 in Auburn, Ala.</p>

Darius Slayton (81) runs with the ball during Auburn Football vs. Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 in Auburn, Ala.

Last year, four Auburn players heard their names called during the NFL Draft — Braden Smith (Round 2, pick 37), Kerryon Johnson (Round 2, pick 43), Carlton Davis (Round 2, pick 63) and Daniel Carlson (Round 5, pick 167). 

This year, Auburn has a chance to equal or surpass that number. Taking a look at some mock drafts, The Plainsman has compiled a list of where this year's Auburn class could end up.  

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

  • QB Jarrett Stidham — Denver Broncos (4th round, pick 125) 
  • CB Jamel Dean — Baltimore Ravens (5th round, pick 160) 
  • DT Dontavius Russell — Arizona Cardinals (7th round, pick 249)

R.J. White, CBSsports

  • WR Darius Slayton — Cleveland Browns (4th round, pick 119)
  • CB Jamel Dean — Los Angeles Rams (4th round, pick 133) 
  • QB Jarrett Stidham — Cincinnati Bengals (5th round, pick 149)
  • DT Dontavius Russell — Los Angeles Rams (6th round, pick 192)

Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball

  • QB Jarrett Stidham — Philadelphia Eagles (4th round, pick 127)
  • CB Jamel Dean — Indianapolis Colts (4th round, pick 135)
  • DT Dontavius Russell — Baltimore Ravens (6th round, pick 191)

Jake Weese, The Auburn Plainsman

I may not have connections to any NFL teams, and writing down my predictions might result in me being the butt of jokes around the office for a while if I'm wrong. But hey, at the end of the day, all of the experts are just trying their best to predict the highly unpredictable NFL Draft. 

  • QB Jarrett Stidham — Los Angeles Chargers (3rd round, pick 91)

Stidham would be able to learn behind quarterbacks Phillip Rivers and Tyrod Taylor if the Chargers see Stidham as Rivers' eventually successor. He also has the tools to develop into the next Chargers QB if taken by them as he has the potential arm to connect with deep ball receivers like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.  

  • CB Jamel Dean — Philadelphia Eagles (4th round, pick 127)

The Philadelphia Eagles were decimated by injury at cornerback last season eventually having to use wide receivers in practice as corners and could use some much-needed help. They hold the 127th pick in the fourth round, and if they want Dean, they may need to trade up for him.

  • DT Dontavius Russell — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5th round, pick 145)

Dontavius Russell is excellent at stopping the run which is good news for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who gave up an average of 4.7 yards per rushing attempt last season. 

  • WR Darius Slayton — New York Giants (4th round, pick 132)

The Giants traded away star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the offseason much to the dismay of their fanbase, and could use a receiver to take over in the slot for Beckham Jr. 

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Slayton is a fast deep threat, which bodes well for the Giants since they will need to get plays off quickly as the offensive line struggled mightily last season and looks to be in rough shape again. 

Finally, I expect Deshaun Davis and Ryan Davis to find teams as well, not necessarily in the draft but as free agents following the draft. Deshaun Davis' knock is that he is undersized, but he had no problem racking up 262 total career tackles in the SEC during his four seasons and could be a valuable asset to a team. 

Ryan Davis is coming off a disappointing 2018 season in which he had 69 receptions for a total of 546 yards. Ryan Davis should receive a training camp invite from at-least one of the 32 NFL teams this season though.  


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