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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3. Willie Anderson, selected 10th overall in 1997 by the Cincinnati Bengals

In selecting Willie Anderson with the 10th pick in 1996, the Bengals acquired its starting right tackle for 11 seasons and a four-time Pro Bowler.

Anderson blocked for quarterbacks such as Jon Kitna and Carson Palmer, and the team’s running back during the latter part of his time with the Bengals was Rudi Johnson, another Auburn product. Johnson rushed for more than 1,400 yards in 2004 and 2005 with Anderson blocking for him.

After refusing to take a pay cut, Anderson asked the Bengals to release him. He then played one more year with the Baltimore Ravens. He ended up playing 195 games in the NFL. The average first rounder has a career that lasts 9.3 years, and Anderson surpassed that by playing 13 years.

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