Every year, Auburn University’s Pro Day serves as a pivotal event for its former football players who are looking to take the next step in their professional careers. The event is not only a chance for NFL scouts and coaches to evaluate the talent coming out of Auburn, but also a testament to the hard work and preparation that the players have put into their craft during their time at the university. For those who have played for the Auburn Tigers, Pro Day is an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a wide array of NFL personnel, hoping to secure a spot on a team’s roster for the upcoming season.
The 2025 Auburn Pro Day, which took place at the university’s athletic facilities, was a resounding success, as former Tigers demonstrated their athleticism, technical prowess, and readiness to transition to the professional ranks. A combination of elite physical performances and standout drills showed that Auburn football continues to produce top-tier talent capable of excelling at the highest levels of competition.
This year’s Pro Day saw some standout performances from a handful of former Tigers who had already made a mark during their college careers. Many of these athletes were seeking to capitalize on their final opportunity to impress NFL scouts ahead of the NFL Draft, and it’s clear that their time in the Auburn program has adequately prepared them for the next stage. This article will take an in-depth look at some of the top performances, the significance of Auburn Pro Day, and how the event benefits both the players and the university’s football program.
The Importance of Auburn Pro Day
Pro Day serves as a crucial moment for former college athletes, especially for those who may not have participated in the NFL Scouting Combine. While the combine is a nationally televised event, Pro Day allows athletes to perform in a familiar setting, under the watchful eye of the coaches and trainers who helped them during their collegiate careers. For Auburn Tigers, the event is even more significant due to the history of success the program has had in producing NFL talent. Many of the school’s past alumni, such as Bo Jackson, Cam Newton, and Patrick Peterson, have gone on to become stars in the NFL, and the current crop of prospects aims to follow in their footsteps.
Auburn Pro Day is also an opportunity for NFL teams to closely examine the players’ physical attributes—speed, strength, agility, and endurance—in various drills, including the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle drills, and more. While the 40-yard dash often garners the most attention, NFL teams are equally focused on the full range of athleticism these players bring to the table. Teams also value how athletes perform in positional drills, where they can showcase their technical skills and knowledge of the game.
More than just a showcase of athletic talent, Pro Day is a chance for players to show their commitment to professional football. The way they conduct themselves—both on the field and off—can reveal their work ethic, maturity, and ability to handle the pressure of the NFL.
Top Performers from Auburn Pro Day 2025
This year, several former Auburn players stood out and turned heads with their performances. Whether they were seeking to enhance their draft stock or improve upon their previous combine results, these athletes impressed NFL scouts, team executives, and the Auburn faithful who gathered to support them. Let’s take a look at the key players who had standout performances.
Tank Bigsby – Running Back
Tank Bigsby, one of Auburn’s most electrifying offensive weapons over the past few seasons, was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated prospects at Pro Day. A two-time 1,000-yard rusher during his college career, Bigsby entered Pro Day with high expectations from both Auburn fans and NFL scouts.
The running back’s Pro Day performance didn’t disappoint. He clocked an impressive 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, showcasing his breakaway speed and ability to separate from defenders in the open field. His vertical jump of 39 inches was another notable measurement, as it demonstrated his explosiveness, which is crucial for a running back looking to make an impact in the NFL.
In positional drills, Bigsby showed excellent footwork, balance, and vision, as well as a keen sense of how to read the field. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield was another factor that set him apart, as he showcased solid hands and route-running ability during receiving drills. Tank Bigsby is a highly versatile back with the skills to succeed both between the tackles and as a weapon in the passing game, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking a dynamic running back.
Bigsby’s performance at Pro Day likely solidified his status as one of the top running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Javarius Johnson – Wide Receiver
Javarius Johnson, a standout wide receiver for Auburn over the past few seasons, entered Pro Day with the goal of proving his worth as a deep-threat receiver at the next level. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, Johnson was looking to make an impression that would elevate his draft stock.
During the 40-yard dash, Johnson posted a remarkable time of 4.37 seconds, showcasing his elite speed and ability to make big plays in the open field. His quickness and fluidity were on display throughout the day, particularly during positional drills, where he demonstrated his crisp route-running, separation skills, and ability to track the football downfield.
Johnson’s agility was evident in the shuttle drills, where he displayed sharp cuts and lateral quickness, essential traits for a receiver in the NFL who needs to create separation in tight spaces. His hands were also on display, as he caught passes consistently in contested situations, showing off his strong catching technique.
While Johnson may not have been the highest-profile wide receiver at Auburn in recent years, his Pro Day performance undoubtedly placed him on the radar of NFL teams, with his speed and playmaking ability making him a potential mid-round selection in the upcoming draft.
Derrick Hall – Defensive End
On the defensive side of the ball, Derrick Hall was one of the standout performers at Auburn’s Pro Day. A highly productive pass rusher during his time at Auburn, Hall was looking to show off his explosive first step, powerful burst, and ability to disrupt quarterbacks in the NFL.
Hall’s 40-yard dash time of 4.62 seconds was solid for a player of his size, but it was his performance in the shuttle drills and position-specific drills that truly turned heads. His quickness and flexibility in tight spaces were exceptional, and he was able to showcase his explosiveness off the edge, bending around blockers with impressive agility. NFL scouts took note of his combination of strength and speed, which makes him a versatile defensive end who could thrive in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes at the next level.
In addition to his impressive athletic numbers, Hall’s football IQ and motor were evident during his positional drills, where he demonstrated his ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and play with discipline. With his polished pass-rushing technique and high upside, Hall is expected to be a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Colby Wooden – Defensive Tackle
Colby Wooden was another standout at Pro Day, as the defensive tackle entered the event as one of the top defensive line prospects in the SEC. Known for his versatility, Wooden has the ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end, giving him added value in a variety of defensive schemes. At Pro Day, Wooden showed why he is a sought-after prospect for NFL teams.
Wooden posted an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.83 seconds, which is excellent for a player of his size (6’5”, 270 pounds). His strength was on display during the bench press, where he recorded 28 reps, showing his ability to generate power and anchor against offensive linemen. In positional drills, Wooden demonstrated his ability to shed blockers and maintain leverage, all while staying low and using his hands effectively.
Wooden’s high motor and versatility make him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for a disruptive force on the defensive line. With his combination of size, strength, and agility, Wooden has the tools to be a solid contributor at the next level, and Pro Day only served to reinforce that notion.
The Significance of Auburn Pro Day for the Program
Auburn Pro Day is not only an important event for the players looking to move on to the NFL, but it also holds great significance for the university’s football program. With Auburn football competing in one of the most competitive conferences in college football, showcasing its talent at Pro Day reinforces the program’s reputation for developing elite-level athletes capable of succeeding in the NFL.
For Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff, seeing former players perform at such a high level is a testament to the work they are doing both on and off the field. The success of Auburn’s athletes at Pro Day strengthens the program’s recruiting efforts, as prospective recruits want to know that their development will be nurtured, and that the path to professional football is achievable through the Auburn system.
Auburn’s long history of producing NFL talent, from players like Cam Newton to Patrick Peterson, and now the performances at Pro Day, ensures that the Tigers remain a respected program on the national stage. For Freeze, the strong performances at Pro Day provide an added layer of validation to the coaching staff’s approach and the long-term vision for the program.
Looking Ahead: Auburn’s Continued Success
With another successful Pro Day in the books, Auburn football is poised for continued success in developing NFL-caliber talent. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many of the players who shined at Pro Day will soon realize their professional dreams. Meanwhile, Auburn’s commitment to developing future talent remains unwavering, with the current crop of Tigers working toward following in the footsteps of their predecessors.
As for the athletes who participated in Auburn’s Pro Day, their performances may very well define their futures. Whether they’re drafted in the early rounds or prove themselves through undrafted free-agent opportunities, these players will carry the Auburn legacy with them as they transition to the next chapter of their careers.