AUBURN, Ala. – For the second straight year, NFL teams drafted six Auburn players, tying last year's program record since the draft became seven rounds in 1994.
"Having six players taken for the second consecutive year says a lot about where our program is at right now," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "We're recruiting talented players with character and we have a staff that is doing a great job developing them. It's pretty exciting.
"The guys that got drafted are not only big-time players but big-time people with high character. They're going to be very successful in the NFL."
The Auburn coach called each of the draftees to celebrate their selection.
"One of the best things about being a head coach is being able to talk to your players after they get drafted," Malzahn said. "They come to Auburn with a dream of playing at the next level. When you can talk to them right after they accomplish that dream, it's a real special moment for a coach."
Defensive lineman Derrick Brown became Auburn's first selection in the 2020 NFL Draft when the Carolina Panthers chose him Thursday with the No. 7 overall pick.
Defensive back Noah Igbinoghene joined Brown in the first round when then Miami Dolphins selected him with the No. 30 overall pick.
Marlon Davidson became Auburn's third defensive player to be selected, going to the Atlanta Falcons Friday in the second round with the No. 47 pick.
"Marlon Davidson is one of the best football players to come through Auburn since I've been here," Malzahn said. "The Falcons are getting a great competitor and a coach on the field. He's the complete package.
"He's so versatile. You can move him around. He's very good against the run and very good against the pass. He can dissect the plays as they are coming, the schemes. He has that unique ability to know what's coming."
Offensive tackles Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho will remain teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles, who picked Driscoll in the fourth round and Wanogho in the sixth.
"The Philadelphia Eagles are getting a versatile player in Jack Driscoll," Malzahn said. "His strength is he can play all five positions on the offensive line. He's athletic, he's a technician and he's durable. Jack will play banged up and through things. I think he's got a chance to play in the league a long time.
"The Eagles really got a steal getting Prince Tega in the sixth round. He's a guy that I think has his best football ahead of him. He's still learning the game. He's so athletic and he's a tough guy, who is an extremely motivated player. I'm excited that Tega and Jack will be teammates together in Philadelphia."
Safety Daniel Thomas, a two-year starter who served as one of Auburn's captains in 2019, joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round.
"Daniel Thomas is a heat-seeking missile," Malzahn said. "He knows how to get after the football. The Jaguars are getting a guy that loves football and loves practicing football who is a very good special teams player. Daniel is a wonderful, high-character person."
More former Auburn players will attempt to earn NFL roster spots as undrafted free agents, including three with the Detroit Lions. Safety Jeremiah Dinson, offensive lineman Mike Horton and punter Arryn Siposs will join former Auburn great Kerryon Johnson in Detroit.
Defensive back Javaris Davis (Kansas City), offensive lineman Marquel Harrell (Buffalo), receiver Will Hastings (New England) and fullback Spencer Night (Pittsburgh) also will have an opportunity to play professionally, while defensive lineman Nick Coe and running back Kam Martin consider their optons.
"There's a handful of guys that I thought had a good chance of getting drafted and I think they're going to do real well and make some NFL teams," Malzahn said. "I'm rooting for those guys."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer