Auburn could see another defensive exodus at the end of the season.
PFF dropped its list of defensive players to watch for the 2023 NFL draft, and the Auburn Tigers were well represented. The list, which wasn’t numbered, included defensive end [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag], defensive end [autotag]Colby Wooden[/autotag] and linebacker [autotag]Owen Pappoe[/autotag].
Hall has been a frequent name in NFL draft lists, often being projected to the first round in mocks immediately following the draft. The senior had a PFF pass-rush grade of 80 or higher in his last two seasons with the Tigers, and a great year this upcoming season should propel him as a prospect.
Wooden is on the other end of the defensive line, but he’d likely play a 3-4 role with his size. PFF mentions that Wooden could have declared for this year’s draft and likely been a day two pick, but his decision to stay could result in a higher placement if he can really impress NFL scouts with his play this year. Wooden finished the season with a PFF pash rush grade of 80.6.
Pappoe got praise from PFF’s list on his speed — the five-star prospect out of high school ran a 4.47 forty-yard dash, according to 247Sports, and NFL scouts are sure to enjoy that in an era where fast linebackers like Micah Parsons and Devin White have wreaked havoc in the past few seasons. The list mentions that Pappoe will need to bring some physicality to his game to fully impress scouts come his senior year.
The Tigers will play Mercer on Sept. 3 to kick their season off, and it will be the first opportunity for all these players to show their stuff.
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