Auburn in the NFL: Are the Tigers quietly making case for DBU in the pros?

Former Auburn defensive backs are making prominent names for themselves on the next level. It’s a trend that has been going on within the last ten years.

It is one thing to have players on NFL rosters. It is another to have them starting, playing in crucial roles, and making game-changing plays. Former Tiger defensive backs have been doing just that.

Former Tigers corner Jonathon Jones has been a stand out in the last seven years. He started a new wave of Auburn defensive backs in the NFL.

AuburnTigers.com Senior Writer Jeff Shearer spoke with Jones about the Tiger takeover in the NFL.

“The talent has been there at Auburn,” Jones said to Shearer. “You go back to Carlos Rogers and Jerraud Powers, they led the way for me.”

Here’s an update on the Tiger defensive backs in the NFL through week 8.

Former Tigers DB’s in the pros

–Jonathan Jones – New England Patriots: Jones was an undrafted free agent. He was picked up by the New England Patriots in 2016. He has been with the same franchise since then and is now a starter who regularly makes big plays. At one point early on the season, Jones was the No. 1 highest graded corner according to PFF.

• 2022 stats: 22 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception
• Career stats: 257 tackles, 35 pass break ups, 8 interceptions, and 2.5 sacks in 91 games

–Rudy Ford – Green Bay Packers: Ford was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 6th round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has been a part of the Cardinals, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, Ford is with his fourth team, the Green Bay Packers. He has been an asset for the Packers in 2022 and was one of the top 5 highest graded defensive players on the team at one point according to PFF.

• 2022 stats: 16 tackles
• Career stats: 95 tackles, 2 pass break ups, .5 sacks, and an interception in 63 games.

–Carlton Davis – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Davis has had the most prolific career of the current group of defensive backs in the NFL. That includes a super bowl ring as the starting corner for the Bucs. Davis was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

• 2022 stats: 31 tackles, 4 pass break ups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
• Career stats: 229 tackles, 55 pass break ups, and 6 interceptions

–Jamel Dean – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dean entered the NFL one year after his former teammate, Davis. The two both continued their careers with the Bucs and have been one of the best corner duos in the pros. Dean was a 3rd round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He, at one time in 2020, had the best coverage grade in the NFL.

• 2022 stats: 30 tackles, 4 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions
• Career stats: 156 tackles, 35 pass break ups, and 7 interceptions

–Noah Igbinoghene – Miami Dolphins: Igbinoghene continued the streak of Auburn defensive backs being drafted. He was a late first round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. Igbinoghene has played in three games so far this season. He made the game-winning interception against the Pittsburg Steelers this past Sunday night.

• 2022 stats: 5 tackles, 3 pass break ups, 1 interception
• Career stats: 21 tackles, 5 pass break ups, and an interception in 28 games

Rookies

–Roger McCreary – Tennessee Titans: McCreary is the most recent Auburn defensive back to be drafted. He was taken by the Titans in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft. McCreary quickly earned a starting corner spot. Early on in the season after a few games, McCreary was the leading tackler on the team as a rookie.

• 2022 stats: 37 tackles, 2 pass break ups in 6 games.

–Smoke Monday – New Orleans Saints: Monday was another free agent pickup. He has, however, been retained by the Saints during his rookie season. Monday was injured for the season early on and hasn’t yet played in an NFL game.

More DB’s on the way?

Auburn could be adding more defensive backs to the NFL soon. This season, senior Nehemiah Pritchett has gotten some pre-season draft buzz and continues to play well. He will most certainly test well as he has been clock in the 4.3 range in his forty.

Senior Jaylin Simpson will also get an NFL look as he has played plenty of games at Auburn during his career.

Quickly making a name for himself is Oregon transfer corner DJ James. He has been strong in man coverage and technically could go pro even though he has is only a junior.