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Five Auburn players land in Todd McShay's 2023 NFL Draft position rankings

Cole Pinkstonby:Cole Pinkston•08/18/22•

ColePinkston

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Five Auburn players are receiving NFL draft attention prior to the opening of the 2022 season.

Tank Bigsby, Nick Brahms, Derick Hall, Colby Wooden, and Owen Pappoe were all named as top players at their positions by ESPN draft expert Todd McShay

Cornerback Roger McCreary was the lone draftee for Auburn in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Tigers appear to have a different outlook for the 2023 draft.

Tank Bigsby

Bigsby comes in as McShay’s No. 9 best running back for the 2023 NFL Draft. After a 1,000 yard rushing season, he is expected by coaches to reach that mark once again. For a player with the physical attributes of Bigsby, the stats are not the main focus for his draft stock.

Bigsby, now weighing 213 pounds, looks to improve in the zone run game and as a pass catcher in 2022. His draft stock could see another rise after the season.

Nick Brahms

Brahms is ranked as McShay’s No. 6 best center.

The Auburn veteran is questionable for the first game against Mercer. His body of work over three years as the Tigers’ starting center is enough to hold him in high regard.

Should Brahms return to full health, his added strength and quickness could allow him to have the best year he has had in college.

Derick Hall

While he plays edge for Auburn, Hall is considered a defensive end by McShay. He comes in as the No. 7 best defensive end.

After a 9 sack season, Hall returned to Auburn to improve that number. The senior was two sacks away from the single-season record at Auburn.

Hall is strong against the run and as a pass rusher. Now, closer to 260-pounds, Hall has a chance to prove how important he is for the Tigers’ defense. He is a candidate to make a move up the draft boards with another big season.

Colby Wooden

Wooden comes in as the No. 9 best defensive tackle. Interestingly, Wooden is just one point away from Hall on McShay’s rating scale.

After more consistent performances late in the year, he began getting plenty of draft buzz. Physically, he fits inside as he is now up to 285-pounds.

For Wooden’s draft stock to continue rising as an interior defensive lineman, he will need to play strong against double-teams. His pass rushing and quickness from the interior is a strength.

Owen Pappoe

After making Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks of college football” list, Pappoe comes in as the No. 6 best inside linebacker.

Pappoe played early in 2021, but missed many games due to an injury. His physical traits have always had the eye of NFL scout. A big year in 2022 can shoot him up the draft boards.

Pappoe will play primarily at inside linebacker. He has the flashy speed and pursuit ability, but being more physical in taking on blocks will improve his stock.

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