Every year, the college football world turns its focus toward the NFL Draft, a defining moment for college players hoping to continue their careers at the next level. For those hoping to make it in the NFL, Pro Day is one of the most crucial events in the lead-up to draft day. It’s the day when scouts, coaches, and NFL decision-makers converge on a college campus to get a closer look at prospects they’ve been tracking for months. For Auburn University, Pro Day is not just a day for showcasing individual talent—it’s a day that reflects the culmination of years of hard work and the bright future that lies ahead for many of its players.
In 2025, Auburn’s Pro Day featured a collection of exciting prospects, each with their own story and journey to this point. From dynamic wide receivers to powerful defensive linemen, the Tigers’ Pro Day showcased players who are poised to take their talents to the NFL. This event is a crucial stepping stone for Auburn’s draft hopefuls, as they aim to impress scouts and make their mark ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With former Auburn players showing out in front of NFL scouts, it’s a day filled with excitement, anticipation, and most of all, dreams coming true for those who have put in years of dedication and sacrifice to reach this point.
In this article, we will dive deep into the highlights of Auburn’s Pro Day, breaking down standout performances, the players who impressed, and what this event means for the future of the Tigers’ football program.
Auburn’s Pro Day: A Platform for Dreams
For many of Auburn’s top draft prospects, Pro Day represents the culmination of their college careers. After years of playing in front of packed stadiums, facing fierce competition in the SEC, and contributing to a storied program, these players now have the chance to impress on an even bigger stage. Unlike the combine, which is a national event, Pro Day allows prospects to work out in familiar surroundings and showcase their skills in front of coaches and scouts who have already had extensive time tracking their careers.
However, Pro Day is not just about a player’s physical abilities—it’s also about their character, work ethic, and ability to handle pressure. The event is one of the last chances for draft hopefuls to leave a lasting impression. It’s an opportunity for players to solidify their place in the NFL Draft, whether they’re looking to improve their draft stock or make up for a less-than-perfect combine performance.
For Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin, Pro Day is a reflection of the strength of his program. Under his leadership, Auburn has been able to develop players capable of making the jump to the NFL and competing at the highest level. Pro Day is a vital part of Auburn’s recruiting process, as it shows future recruits that the Tigers are not only a force in the SEC but also a launchpad for NFL dreams.
Key Players to Watch: Auburn’s Top NFL Draft Prospects
Auburn’s 2025 Pro Day featured a number of players who entered the event with high expectations. These athletes had already made their mark in the SEC and were now looking to turn heads in front of NFL scouts. Here are some of the standout players whose performances at Pro Day gave them a shot at making it to the next level.
1. Tank Bigsby – Running Back
Arguably the most talked-about player coming into Auburn’s Pro Day was running back Tank Bigsby. A two-time 1,000-yard rusher for the Tigers, Bigsby is one of the most dynamic offensive players to come through Auburn in recent years. His combination of size, speed, and vision made him one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 draft class.
At Pro Day, Bigsby demonstrated exactly why he’s such a coveted talent. Running drills, he looked explosive in both the 40-yard dash and the shuttle runs, showing off his acceleration and quickness. His agility in the cone drills was exceptional, as Bigsby showcased the ability to make sharp cuts and change direction with ease. These skills, along with his strength and ball security, make him a versatile running back who could thrive in any system in the NFL.
Perhaps most impressive was Bigsby’s pass-catching ability. While he was primarily known for his running skills in college, he showed in the receiving drills that he could be an asset out of the backfield in the NFL. His natural hands and ability to track the ball made him a standout, proving that he could be a dual-threat weapon for an NFL team looking for a reliable and explosive running back.
2. Jarquez Hunter – Running Back
Joining Bigsby in the running back drills was Jarquez Hunter, a talented and explosive player who has drawn comparisons to some of the best backs in the SEC. Hunter’s Pro Day performance confirmed the buzz surrounding his name. Known for his speed and ability to break off big runs, Hunter flashed elite agility and burst during the drills. His 40-yard dash time was among the best of the day, and he demonstrated exceptional vision in the agility drills.
Hunter has been a standout in Auburn’s offense since his arrival, and his performance at Pro Day only solidified his status as a draft-worthy player. With teams looking for running backs who can break away in open space, Hunter is the type of player who could make an immediate impact as a change-of-pace back or even as a primary option in an NFL backfield.
3. Colby Wooden – Defensive Line
Colby Wooden is another name that has been making waves ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and his Pro Day performance did not disappoint. The defensive lineman has been one of the most disruptive forces in Auburn’s defense during his time in college, and scouts have been eager to see how his traits would translate to the NFL.
At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Wooden has the ideal frame for a defensive lineman. His Pro Day drills showed off his explosive first step, flexibility, and ability to bend around the edge, all critical skills for an NFL pass rusher. Wooden’s 40-yard dash time was impressive for a player of his size, and he showed excellent strength in the bench press. His ability to shed blockers and pursue the quarterback will make him a highly sought-after prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive line.
Wooden’s versatility is another key factor that will help his draft stock. He’s capable of playing multiple positions along the defensive line, which gives NFL teams the flexibility to utilize him in a variety of schemes. His ability to generate pressure and stop the run has made him one of the more intriguing prospects at his position, and his performance at Pro Day confirmed that he’s ready for the next level.
4. Owen Pappoe – Linebacker
Linebacker Owen Pappoe was another Tiger who impressed during Auburn’s Pro Day. Pappoe has long been known for his leadership, football IQ, and sideline-to-sideline speed. His physicality and ability to read the game made him one of the top defensive prospects at his position in the SEC. At Pro Day, Pappoe displayed all the qualities that made him such a valuable asset to Auburn’s defense.
In the positional drills, Pappoe showed off his agility, fluidity in coverage, and tackling ability. He’s an explosive athlete, and his ability to quickly close on the ball and make plays in space was evident during the on-field work. Pappoe also tested well in the 40-yard dash and had a strong showing in the vertical jump. His performance at Pro Day further solidified his status as a top linebacker prospect, and it’s clear that Pappoe has the potential to be an early-round pick.
5. Demetrius Robertson – Wide Receiver
Demetrius Robertson, a transfer from Georgia, made a major impact at Auburn during his lone season with the Tigers. The 6-foot-1 wide receiver displayed excellent hands, route-running ability, and football IQ during his time at Auburn, and Pro Day was his chance to show NFL scouts that he could perform at the next level.
Robertson’s route-running was crisp, and he displayed impressive speed in the 40-yard dash. He also showcased his ability to catch passes in traffic, highlighting his toughness and reliability as a wide receiver. Robertson’s performance at Pro Day proved that he is a serious threat as a wideout who can make plays both inside and outside.
6. Tashun D. Manning – Offensive Lineman
Tashun D. Manning, an offensive lineman for the Tigers, also had a strong Pro Day showing. Manning’s size, strength, and versatility as a guard or tackle make him a valuable prospect for NFL teams looking to add depth to their offensive line. During the on-field drills, Manning showcased solid footwork, powerful hands, and the ability to drive defenders off the ball. His physicality in the run-blocking drills stood out, and his agility in pass protection impressed scouts as well.
The Impact of Auburn’s Pro Day on the Program
Auburn’s Pro Day serves as a reminder of the football program’s continued success in developing NFL talent. With several players showcasing their talents and impressing scouts, it’s clear that Auburn remains a place where athletes can not only hone their skills but also prepare for the professional ranks. Auburn’s ability to produce draft-ready players year after year has solidified its place as one of the top programs in college football.
For head coach Bryan Harsin and the Auburn staff, Pro Day provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the program’s ability to develop players in a competitive and high-profile environment. It also serves as a recruiting tool, as future high school prospects watch the event and take note of how well Auburn prepares its players for the NFL. The Tigers have established themselves as a breeding ground for future pros, and Pro Day continues to underscore this reputation.