Auburn Football: Updating Player Performances from the NFL Combine

The Auburn Tigers were able to see two of their seniors make it to the NFL combine this week to increase their draft status before April.

Brandon Mosley and Josh Harris were the two Tigers present; Mosley is an offensive tackle, while Josh Harris is a long snapper.

The Tigers lacked the star-studded talent that graced the combine a year ago, but Mosley and Harris held their own just the same. Both are very likely to be drafted, albeit in the later rounds.

Auburn is very well represented in the NFL, and that class is likely to grow a bit more following April. So how did the two Tigers perform? How did they make it to draft-able status?

Both Mosley and Harris performed well for their respective positions, and will look to continue to build steam heading into the draft.

Looking at Brandon Mosley

Mosley was invited to the combine as an offensive tackle prospect out of Auburn. He came to Auburn after playing tight end and defensive end in community college only to see his position change to offensive tackle during the summer leading into the 2010 season.

Mosley was a reserve offensive lineman and tight end, and played both until a season-ending injury to A.J. Green forced him into starting action at tackle.

Mosley has done a great job working his way through the transition. The fact that he earned an invite as an offensive tackle to the combine after only two years at the position is impressive in its own right.

With a lot to gain by having a good performance, Mosley proved his athletic worth from Day 1. He had an impressive 7.43 three-cone drill and completed 30 reps in the bench.

Mosley did all he could to increase his stock, and for what it’s worth, he most likely reached his pinnacle.

However, Mosley has a tough time controlling defenders, as he is not a violent attacker on the line. He does a great job of staying with defenders and not allowing them to burst past him in pass protection—the mirror effect.

Mosley will need to grow in his position once he makes it to the next level, as two years at the position is simply not enough to settle him into the role against NFL level defenders. He is likely to be a late-round addition or a free-agent add for a team down the road that is looking for an additional body to develop on the line. Mosley has the drive and the athletic ability to successful at the next level given the right situation and coaching.

Looking at Josh Harris

Josh Harris making a combine visit as a long snapper is a huge deal.

Harris is one of 12 specialists who made the combine, and he was the only long snapper. Harris did a phenomenal job producing consistent snaps on a regular basis at Auburn. He snapped for both kicks and punts during his time with the Tigers.

There is not a lot of polish that is needed in Harris' game, as he will show up ready to play and will likely be a solid draft choice in later rounds for a team looking to solidify their specialist units.

According to his NFL.com review, Harris' downside is, "He struggles in his lateral movements when trying to throttle down and make tackles downfield," although that isn't likely to be a concern for any team looking for a long snapper.

Harris ran a 4.93 40-yard dash and pumped out 15 reps on the bench, giving him the best among specialists. He has a niche that is needed in the professional ranks, and he has a chance to make a lasting career out of the NFL. Harris' invitation to the combine was enough to solidify him as a solid draft prospect. 

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