Auburn Pro Day: Former Tigers Shine
Auburn University’s Pro Day serves as a significant milestone for NFL hopefuls, a day where former Tigers put their skills to the test in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from all over the NFL. This event, held annually at Auburn’s indoor football facility, showcases the raw athleticism, skill, and potential of players looking to make their mark on the professional stage. In 2025, Auburn’s Pro Day proved to be another thrilling spectacle as former Tigers dazzled the NFL scouts, turning heads and creating plenty of buzz ahead of the NFL Draft.
The Pro Day is a time when former college players showcase their individual drills, such as the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, and other position-specific drills. While some of the athletes at Pro Day may have already garnered significant attention, for many, it is the final opportunity to prove they belong at the next level.
For Auburn, a school historically rich in football talent, the event provided an opportunity to witness a number of former players showcasing their incredible talents. This year’s Pro Day was filled with strong performances from athletes vying for spots in the upcoming NFL Draft. Among the standouts were several former Tigers whose performances highlighted their potential to make an impact at the next level.
Auburn’s NFL Draft Prospects
Auburn’s 2025 Pro Day featured a number of players with significant potential, each looking to cement their legacy and elevate their draft stock. Among them, a handful of names have been buzzworthy as potential early-round selections. The day was full of excitement, anticipation, and a chance for these players to prove themselves to NFL scouts. Some of the standout athletes at Auburn’s Pro Day included:
1. Javaris Johnson – Wide Receiver
One of the most talked-about athletes leading into Auburn’s Pro Day was wide receiver Javaris Johnson. Standing at 5’10” and weighing around 185 pounds, Johnson displayed impressive speed, quickness, and agility during his time at Auburn. He was a key piece of the Auburn offense, contributing both as a deep threat and a reliable route runner.
On Pro Day, Johnson’s 40-yard dash was clocked at an impressive 4.39 seconds, catching the attention of scouts looking for speed and explosiveness. His ability to accelerate quickly off the line of scrimmage was evident, and his quick-twitch movements made him a standout during the agility drills. Johnson also showed exceptional hands during position-specific drills, displaying his ability to track the ball and make catches in tight windows.
Johnson’s Pro Day performance only helped strengthen his case as one of the most intriguing wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft. His combination of speed, reliability, and route-running ability made him a target for multiple NFL teams seeking to bolster their wide receiver corps.
2. Tank Bigsby – Running Back
Running back Tank Bigsby had an incredible career at Auburn, finishing as one of the program’s all-time great rushers. Known for his power, vision, and ability to break tackles, Bigsby has the potential to be a significant contributor at the NFL level. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 210 pounds, Bigsby demonstrated both speed and power during his time at Auburn.
At Pro Day, Bigsby put his skills on full display. He ran an impressive 4.48-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his combination of speed and explosiveness. Bigsby’s size allows him to push through defenders, and his agility in short spaces makes him a threat in the open field. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield also turned heads, showing that he could be a versatile weapon for NFL teams looking to add a multi-dimensional back.
Bigsby’s Pro Day performance solidified his status as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His blend of power, agility, and receiving skills make him a valuable asset to any NFL team.
3. Derrick Hall – Linebacker
Derrick Hall has been one of Auburn’s most consistent defensive players over the past few seasons. The 6’2″, 250-pound linebacker brought a mix of power, speed, and leadership to Auburn’s defense. Hall’s versatility allows him to excel in multiple linebacker positions, and his ability to rush the passer gives him added value as a potential edge rusher in the NFL.
At Pro Day, Hall displayed his agility and athleticism in both the positional drills and combine-style tests. His 40-yard dash time of 4.68 seconds for a player of his size was noteworthy, as he showed that he possesses the speed to track down plays and cover ground quickly. Additionally, his bench press results—an impressive 26 reps—demonstrated his strength and ability to shed blockers at the next level.
Hall’s performance at Auburn’s Pro Day further solidified his status as a potential first or second-round pick. His combination of athleticism, leadership, and versatility on the field will make him a highly sought-after linebacker in the draft.
4. Colby Wooden – Defensive Line
Colby Wooden is another Auburn standout looking to make a name for himself in the NFL. As a defensive lineman, Wooden’s athleticism, explosiveness, and motor were on display throughout his career at Auburn. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 285 pounds, Wooden has the ideal size to play on the interior defensive line or as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL.
During Pro Day, Wooden impressed scouts with his ability to move with power and explosiveness, particularly in the position-specific drills. His 40-yard dash time of 4.75 seconds for a player his size was eye-opening, showcasing his burst and speed off the line of scrimmage. In addition, his 30 reps on the bench press highlighted his strength and physicality, which are crucial traits for success at the NFL level.
Wooden’s ability to play both the run and pass game effectively, paired with his impressive physical testing, made him a standout prospect in the 2025 draft class.
Other Standouts
While Johnson, Bigsby, Hall, and Wooden stole much of the attention, several other Auburn players also had strong performances that should help boost their draft stocks. Players like cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, offensive lineman Avery Jernigan, and safety Zion Puckett all participated in the event, showcasing their skills in front of NFL scouts.
Pritchett, known for his quickness and physicality, impressed scouts with his speed and ability to backpedal and change direction. Jernigan, a versatile offensive lineman who played both guard and tackle at Auburn, showed his potential in position drills, demonstrating his ability to move fluidly while maintaining his balance and strength. Puckett, a safety with a knack for making plays on the ball, showed his instincts in drills and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, a skill that could translate well at the professional level.
The Significance of Auburn’s Pro Day
Auburn University’s Pro Day is not only an important day for the athletes participating but also for the football program itself. It’s a testament to the talent Auburn continues to produce and the opportunity for these athletes to continue their careers at the next level. Every year, Auburn football sees players go on to have successful careers in the NFL, and Pro Day serves as a reminder of the program’s sustained success in developing talent.
In addition, Auburn’s Pro Day helps to solidify the Tigers’ reputation as one of the premier college football programs in the country. Auburn’s ability to consistently produce high-level NFL talent speaks volumes about the coaching staff, the strength and conditioning program, and the overall culture of Auburn football.
Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft
For the players who participated in Auburn’s Pro Day, the next step is the NFL Draft, where their futures will be determined. Whether they go in the first round or as undrafted free agents, these athletes have proven themselves capable of competing at the highest level of professional football.
The 2025 NFL Draft will be an exciting one for Auburn fans, as the school’s players continue to make their presence felt on the national stage. For Auburn alumni, it’s an exciting time to watch the next generation of Tigers pursue their dreams of playing in the NFL.
In conclusion, Auburn’s Pro Day was a thrilling event showcasing the talent and potential of some of the top draft prospects in the nation. From Javaris Johnson’s blazing speed to Tank Bigsby’s powerful running, and Derrick Hall’s leadership, the former Tigers did not disappoint. As NFL teams prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, Auburn’s Pro Day has ensured that former Tigers are well-represented in this year’s draft class. The future is bright for these Auburn athletes, and many of them will soon have the chance to make an impact at the highest level of football.