It was a busy weekend for the Auburn football program during the 2025 NFL Draft. Three Tigers heard their names called on the big day in running back Jarquez Hunter, wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and linebacker Jalen McLeod.
Hunter was selected No. 117 overall in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Rams, Lambert-Smith went No. 158 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round, and McLeod was chosen at No. 194 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round. It was the second year in a row that Auburn football has not had a pick in the first or second rounds, the first time this has happened since 1983. The Tigers have not had a player chosen in the first round since Derrick Brown was picked No. 7 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2020.
All three attended the NFL Combine earlier this year along with linebacker Eugene Asante, who surprisingly went undrafted. Asante put up strong numbers in the combine and was expected to be taken off the board during the draft. However, he signed as an undrafted free agent following the NFL Draft, along with 10 of his Auburn teammates. Here are the Tigers who have signed as free agents so far.
- Punter Oscar Chapman, linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr., linebacker Austin Keys, and wide receiver Robert Lewis all signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
- Defensive tackle Isaiah Raikes, safety Jerrin Thompson, and defensive tackle Philip Blidi all signed with the Tennessee Titans.
- Linebacker Eugene Asante signed with the Miami Dolphins.
- Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
- Defensive tackle Jayson Jones signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
- Quarterback Payton Thorne signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Players who go undrafted and do not sign as free agents still have the opportunity to land a rookie minicamp invite from an NFL team to try to earn a roster spot.