After the draft: Auburn football alums begin NFL journeys

AUBURN, Ala. – Five former Auburn Tigers answered career-changing phone calls Saturday, welcoming them to the National Football League.

Defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett represented the first Tiger off the board, joining the Seahawks in the fifth round with pick No. 136.

"It's really just a dream come true," Pritchett said. "It's been something I've been dreaming of all my life, just watching it on TV growing up as a kid. I'm really just thankful for this opportunity. I'm blessed. I got a chance to celebrate this moment with my family and friends. I can't wait to see what's next."

Later in the fifth round, the Colts drafted safety Jaylin Simpson at No. 164.  

"Something I've always wanted to do since I was a little kid," Simpson said. "My five years at Auburn put me in the best position to be in this spot. I'm super blessed and thankful for this phone call and to be an Indianapolis Colt."

Fellow Auburn cornerback D.J. James joined Pritchett in Seattle in round six at No. 192 when the Seahawks invested back-to-back selections on members of the Tigers' talented secondary.

"Something I've worked for my whole life," James said. "Now I'm just ready to showcase my skills and I'm excited. I've got a chip on my shoulder."

Defensive tackles Justin Rogers and Marcus Harris heard their names called in the seventh round within a few minutes of each other. The Dallas Cowboys drafted Rogers with pick No. 244 while the Houston Texans took Harris three picks later at No. 247.

"It's an amazing feeling," Harris said. "I give all the glory to God. I wouldn't be here without Him. Getting to celebrate with my friends and family, I couldn't express anything more. I loved it."

Once the seven-round draft concluded, opportunity continued to knock for former Auburn standouts, in the form of undrafted free agent signings and training camp invitations.

Offensive lineman Avery Jones signed with Tampa Bay and fellow O-lineman Gunner Britton signed with Buffalo.

Defensive back Zion Puckett accepted the New York Jets' mini-camp invitation. Defensive lineman Mosiah Nasili-Kite will attend San Francisco's mini-camp and Kam Stutts will audition for the Baltimore Ravens.

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer