While the 2022 Auburn football team may be struggling on the Plains, several former Tigers are finding success in the NFL this season. Though the Tigers had only one player drafted in the official 2022 NFL Draft in cornerback Roger McCreary, other guys are finding their way to the league.
Former Auburn football linebacker Chandler Wooten was one of those players who did not hear his name called in the draft, but the Arizona Cardinals took Wooten and assigned him to their practice squad. Seven weeks into his rookie season, Wooten has proved himself worthy of being on an active roster.
The Carolina Panthers officially signed Wooten to their active 53-man roster, taking the linebacker and two future draft picks on as part of a trade that saw wide receiver Robbie Anderson move to the Cardinals, per Panthers Wire.
Wooten will join up with another former Auburn football player, defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who played in orange and blue from 2016-2019 and is currently playing in his second year in the NFL.
The #Panthers are signing rookie LB Chandler Wooten from the #Cardinals Practice Squad, per @AaronWilson_NFL.
— The Riot Report (@RRiotReport) October 17, 2022
ARI HC Kliff Kingsbury on the former Auburn defender:
"He acts like a pro, and he's prepared like a pro since he's gotten here,"
🎥:@AZCardinalspic.twitter.com/wQwKriMib5
Wooten played at Auburn from 2017-2019 and opted out of the 2020 season during COVID-19 out of concerns for his newborn son before jumping back onto the field for his senior season in 2021. During his time on the Plains, Wooten totaled 139 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for a loss of 18 yards. He also recorded five deflected passes, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
Though the linebacker has not yet played in a regular-season NFL game, he participated in three Cardinals preseason games and logged 12 tackles and an interception. He’ll be looking to make his mark on the active roster for the rest of the season.