Buccaneers: Auburn Tigers 2018 NFL Draft prospects

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

We’ve been looking at some of the biggest college programs, and the prospects they are producing which the Buccaneers may take an interest in. Today, we are looking at the Auburn Tigers.

There’s already one Tigers player on the squad which the Buccaneers have been pleasantly surprised by. Peyton Barber certainly wasn’t expected to be a starter just two years into his NFL career when the Bucs picked him up as an undrafted free-agent, but start is what he did following struggles by Doug Martin, Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers to take firm hold of the job.

Now, with several more names entering the league, perhaps it’ll be time for Jason Licht to add to the pool of former SEC players coming from one half of the Iron Bowl rivalry.

Let’s look at who’s coming out.

2017 Seniors

Defensive Back, Stephen Roberts

Defensive Back, Nick Ruffin

Defensive Back, Jason Smith

Defensive Back, Tray Matthews

Linebacker, Tre’ Williams

Defensive Back, Brock Campbell

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Kicker, Daniel Carlson

Fullback, Keenan Sweeney

Tight End, Caleb King

Offensive Lineman, Casey Dunn

Linebacker, Josh Shockley

Offensive Lineman, Braden Smith

Offensive Lineman, Austin Golson

Offensive Lineman, Wilson Bell

Offensive Lineman, Darius James

Tight End, Pete Berryman

Defensive Lineman, Tyler Carter

SENIOR TO WATCH: GUARD, BRADEN SMITH

While the official list of invites to the NFL Scouting Combine will be released sometime in the next couple of weeks, we can assume the Buccaneers will get a good look at this interior lineman.

Some speculation has risen as to the need of an addition at guard for the Buccaneers, and if the team doesn’t go with one in the first round, they could certainly target this one on day two.

His pro day and scouting combine performance are going to help shape whether he lands in the second or third rounds, but he’s got some serious potential no matter where he’s actually taken.

If he can hang and challenge guys like Quentin Nelson, then his stock may see a dramatic rise and make him a favorite at the top of round two.

Foot work, body positioning and strength are all key measurables to watch for when this young man takes the field in Indianapolis.

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2017 Underclassmen

Defensive Back, Carlton Davis

Linebacker, Jeff Holland

Running Back, Kerryon Johnson

Running Back, Kamryn Pettway

UNDERCLASSMAN TO WATCH: RUNNING BACK, KERRYON JOHNSON

Another prospect to watch in the day two area is this running back. Nearly 2,500 rushing yards, and another 450+ receiving yards makes him an interesting player in a deep pool of backs. An added bonus is his perfect quarterback rating completing all four of his pass attempts with two touchdowns peppered among them.

Through the combine and pro day circuit, Johnson is a guy who could fluctuate between Top-10 and Top-15.

His body type and measurements are very similar to DeMarco Murray, but we’ll have to see if he performs similarly as well.

Displaying the ability to perform in a myriad of ways as a running back will help Johnson’s draft stock and could make him a target for the Buccaneers as early as the second round.

Next: Bennett Return?

This will wrap up our look at the Auburn Tigers and what they have to offer in the 2018 NFL Draft. Which guys are you looking forward to seeing in the league, and which guys do you want the Buccaneers to target?

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David Harrison is one of the Buccaneers Co-Experts for The Pewter Plank. You can reach him about this or any other NFL topic on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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