Auburn Football: NFL Draft Stock for the Tigers' Top Prospects

The 2012 season couldn't have gone much worse for Auburn, but despite going 3-9 (0-8 SEC), several Tigers can still look forward to hearing their names called on draft day this April. 

Like most of his teammates, defensive end Corey Lemonier failed to live up to expectations, as the junior registered just 5.5 sacks after recording 9.5 as a sophomore. 

Considered one of the top pass-rushers in the country, Lemonier is easily the Tigers' highest-rated NFL prospect and should still be a high-round pick if he opts to leave school early. 

Tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and offensive guard John Sullen are two tough guys who should follow their more heralded teammate to the next level. 

Let's take a look at the draft stock for the Tigers' top NFL prospects. 

Corey Lemonier, DE, Junior

Entering the season, Corey Lemonier was one of the hottest names in college football. 

After a subpar season in which his sack total fell from 9.5 to 5.5, the junior defensive end's draft stock has cooled quite a bit. 

Lemonier's drop in production was a major disappointment for a player many expected to be one of the premier defensive linemen in the SEC. 

However, thanks to his combination of size (6'4", 246 pounds) and speed (4.7), Auburn's top defender should still come off the board by the end of the third round, if he declares for the draft. 

Because of his ability to get after the quarterback, he'll be a valued commodity on draft day, but his lean build could force him to make the move from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. 

Either way, Lemonier's upside and natural tools make him an intriguing option for team's in need of a pass-rusher. 

Projected Round: Early Third

John Sullen, G, Senior

Auburn's offensive generated just 18.7 points per game, but offensive guard John Sullen wasn't the problem. 

The 6'4", 336-pound senior is NFLDraftScout.com's No. 11 guard of the 2013 class and it's easy to see why. 

Bringing plenty of starting experience to the table, Sullen makes his money as a mauler in the run game, opening holes for guys like Tre Mason and Onterio McCalebb to burst through. 

Sullen doesn't have great quickness or athleticism to get out in space, but his ability to latch on defenders and generate movement in the ground game will make him a solid mid- to late-round pick. 

Projected Round: Fifth

Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Senior

Before injuries derailed his senior season, tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen was considered a top-10 player at his position. 

Now that he's missed most of the year with a hip injury, his draft stock appears murky at best. 

When healthy, the 6'4", 250-pounder is a valuable pass-catching option who is best utilized as an H-back rather than a traditional tight end role. 

However, health has been an issue for the fearless Lutzenkirchen, who also suffered a torn labrum in 2011. 

During his four-year career for the Tigers, Lutzenkirchen caught 14 touchdowns on just 59 receptions, so he certainly has the production to back up his awesome name. 

It'll be interesting to see if a team takes a late-round flier on him come April. 

Projected Round: Seventh

Onterio McCalebb, RB, Senior

There aren't many 5'10", 176-pound running backs who succeed at the NFL level, but Onterio McCalebb might be able to carve out a role for himself because of one trait: speed. 

The tiny change-of-pace back who brings legitimate 4.38 wheels to the table, and that elite speed has helped him amass over 7,100 all-purpose yards during his four-year career. 

Whether it's as a runner, receiver or returner, McCalebb knows how to find open holes and turn on the jets. 

With a career average of 6.4 yards per carry and 29 total touchdowns, he certainly could be a poor man's Darren Sproles or Dexter McCluster at the next level. 

Projected Round: Seventh

Emory Blake, WR, Senior

Emory Blake probably wishes Cam Newton stuck around longer at Auburn. 

In his lone season playing with the current Carolina Panthers starting quarterback, Blake snagged eight touchdown passes—the same number he's managed in the two seasons since Newton departed for the NFL. 

Although he's managed to increase his reception total from 32 to 36 to 50, Blake hasn't become the prime-time threat that would make him a high draft pick. 

His size (6'1", 197 pounds) and soft hands might help him get a shot in the draft's final round, but his lack of speed and quickness could prove to be too much to overcome. 

Projected Round: Priority Free Agent