Auburn Football: The five best, and five worst, NFL first-round picks

Auburn Football: The five best, and five worst, NFL first-round picks from Auburn

By Chris Roush | Mar 8, 2017

Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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2. James Brooks, selected 24th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 1981

James Brooks spent 12 years in the NFL and rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times in his career. He also made four Pro Bowls.

When you’re picking near the end of the first round, you’re looking for value, and the Chargers got its punt and kick returner for the next three years in Brooks as well as a backup running back who offered a change of pace. He later thrived with the Cincinnati Bengals and played in the Super Bowl after the 1988 season.

Brooks finished his career with 79 touchdowns and nearly 8,000 rushing yards, as well as another 3,621 receiving yards. That’s production that any NFL team would have been happy to have acquired with the 24th pick in the first round.

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