Auburn Tigers Who May Get The Call

The day every college player has dreamed of will soon be here.  All the years of two-a-days, the 5 am workouts and countless hours of practice is about to pay off for a select group of individuals.  For these 5 Auburn Tigers, who just two years ago were 13 seconds away from winning a National Championship, they will hear their names called sometime during the 3 day draft.

Gabe Wright (DL)

Draft Prediction: 3^nd Round

Sometimes the only way to slow down Gabe Wright (# 90 in center) is to grab a hold of his jersey like Wisconsin is doing here in the 2015 Outback Bowl (photo Travis Failey / RSEN)

2014 was not the best season for Gabe Wright as he was part of a rotation at the Defensive Tackle position, he stilled managed 22 tackles this year for the Tigers.  Wright has an explosive first step but must improve his pass rushing ability.  He would be a good fit for either the Denver Broncos or New England Patriots who are looking to replace Vince Wilfork.

Sammie Coates (WR)

Prediction: 3^rd Round

Sammie Coates lead Auburn in receiving in 2014 with 34 receptions, 741 yards and 4 TDs (photo Auburn Athletics)

Coates is a vertical threat.  He finished his career at Auburn averaging just under 21 yards per catch.  Just this year alone, he was 10 out of 11 on catches of 20 yards or more.  The one knock against him is that he dropped too many passes in college.  Still, teams like his size and speed (6’1’’/4.43 40 yard dash) and he could make an impact as a 3^rd down receiver.  The Saints and Patriots are two teams that like to throw deep with regularity, and Coates could instantly become a favorite of Drew Brees or Tom Brady.

Reese Dismukes (C)

Draft Prediction: 5^th Round

Reese Dismukes (Travis Failey / RSEN)

Dismukes started 50 games over his 4 year Auburn career.  A very good pass protector with an ability to get to the 2^nd level, Scouts wonder about his ability to snap the ball with a QB under center.  Dismukes does have the potential to be a quality starter but will need a year or two to develop.  He would be an ideal fit for the Chicago Bears whose current center, Roberto Garza, is 36 and approaching the tail end of his career.

Cameron Artis-Payne (RB)

Draft Prediction: 6^th Round

Cameron Artis-Payne on his way to some of his 126 yards in the 2015 Outback Bowl.  Artis-Payne had 1608 yards on 303 carries in 2014 leading all Tigers with 13 TDs.  (photo Travis Failey / RSEN)

Artis-Payne finished the season with 1608 rushing yards, 3^rd best in a season.  While he is short, 5’9’’, he is deceptively fast and has no problem running between the tackles or over defenders.  His lack of ability to hit the edge along with being too patient of a runner will find Artis-Payne dropping to day 3.  He would be a good fit for the Indianapolis Colts and could be a potential successor to Frank Gore.

Nick Marshall (QB/CB)

Draft Prediction: 7^th Round

Nick Marshall’s strength makes him attractive to play on Sundays on the defensive side of the ball. (photo Travis Failey / RSEN)

Marshall will be transitioning from QB in college to Cornerback in the NFL.  He has the Height and size (6’1’’, 207 lbs) that NFL teams like at the CB position but his lack of experience will drop him to the 7^th round.  He is a developmental project but could develop into a valuable asset to a team that drafts him and is patient as he relearns the position.  Some team is willing to take a risk and that team is the St. Louis Rams.

Good luck to all the Auburn Tigers taking part in the NFL.  It will be an honor to watch you play on Sundays.