As of now, specific 2025 preseason roster details are unavailable. Historically, the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots have had significant Auburn representation.

The Auburn University football program has long been a fertile ground for NFL talent, producing numerous players who have gone on to excel at the professional level. As the 2025 NFL preseason approaches, fans, analysts, and team personnel alike are interested in understanding which NFL teams currently feature the most Auburn alumni, and how this trend might evolve for the upcoming season. Notably, the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots have historically been among the teams with significant Auburn representation, and their rosters for 2025 are likely to reflect this relationship.

This analysis will explore Auburn’s NFL pipeline, highlight notable players, examine historical trends, discuss the draft process, and consider which teams may have the most Auburn players in their 2025 preseason rosters. It will also analyze the broader implications of college-to-pro transitions and recruitment patterns influencing team compositions.

Historical Context of Auburn Players in the NFL

Auburn has been one of the premier college programs for developing NFL-caliber talent. Since the inception of the NFL, Auburn players have made their mark across various teams, contributing on both sides of the ball—offense and defense.

Notable Auburn NFL Alumni

Some of the most prominent Auburn alumni who have made significant impacts in the NFL include:

• Bo Jackson: One of the most versatile athletes, Jackson’s NFL career with the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, combined with his college legend, established Auburn as a football powerhouse.
• Cam Newton: The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, Newton has been a dynamic quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and later the New England Patriots, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
• Willie Brown: A Hall of Famer, Brown played for the Raiders and was known for his exceptional cornerback skills.
• Ben Obomanu: Played for the Seattle Seahawks, showcasing Auburn’s ongoing contribution to NFL receiving corps.
• Karlos Dansby: A linebacker who contributed to multiple teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns.
• Trent Edwards: Quarterback who played for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars.
• Brandon Jacobs: Running back for the New York Giants, contributing to their Super Bowl XLVI victory.
• Carlos Rogers: Cornerback who played for the 49ers and Redskins.

Over the decades, these individuals exemplify the talent Auburn has consistently supplied to the NFL.

Draft Trends and Auburn’s NFL Pipeline

Auburn consistently ranks among the top schools in producing NFL draft picks. Historically, the school has produced multiple players each year who are selected in the NFL Draft, especially in rounds 2 through 5. The school’s emphasis on physicality, versatility, and technical skill aligns well with NFL demands.

In recent drafts, Auburn players have frequently been picked by teams needing immediate impact players in the secondary, linebackers, and skill positions. The NFL’s evolving style, favoring versatile athletes, benefits Auburn’s traditionally athletic approach.

Team-Specific Auburn Presence: Past and Present

While many NFL teams have featured Auburn alumni, some have had more sustained relationships with Auburn players due to coaching connections, regional proximity, or draft patterns.

The Atlanta Falcons

Historical Connection

The Atlanta Falcons have historically had a notable Auburn presence. Players like:

• Devin McCourty: Though primarily associated with the Patriots, Auburn alum Kenny Irons briefly played for the Falcons.
• Kerryon Johnson: An Auburn running back drafted by the Detroit Lions but also had workouts with the Falcons.
• Rodney Garner: Auburn’s longtime defensive line coach, who also spent time coaching with the Falcons, creating a pipeline of Auburn defensive talent.

Current and Recent Auburn Players

In recent years, the Falcons have drafted or signed Auburn players such as:

• Kerryon Johnson (RB): Drafted in 2018 by Detroit, but the Falcons have shown interest in similar running backs from Auburn.
• Daren Bates (LB): Played for the Falcons and Auburn, exemplifying the secondary Auburn-Falcons connection.

2025 Outlook

While specific preseason roster details are unavailable, the Falcons’ historical tendency to draft or sign Auburn players suggests they could feature multiple Auburn alumni in the 2025 preseason roster. Their emphasis on developing versatile linebackers and secondary players aligns with Auburn’s strengths, likely leading to a continued relationship.

The New England Patriots

Historical Relationship

The Patriots have been one of the most successful NFL franchises over the past two decades under Bill Belichick. Their talent acquisition strategy often involves drafting or signing players from Auburn, particularly defensive players known for their toughness and versatility.

Notable Auburn alumni associated with the Patriots include:

• Cam Newton: Briefly played for the Patriots in 2020, providing leadership and experience at quarterback.
• Juwan Bentley: Linebacker drafted in 2018, now a key contributor on the Patriots’ defense.
• Brandon King: Safety with Auburn roots, who has contributed on special teams and defense.

Current and Recent Auburn Players

The Patriots have historically sought Auburn’s defensive talent, especially linebackers and defensive backs. Their scouting preferences match Auburn’s institutional focus on physical, athletic players.

2025 Roster Outlook

Given their history, the Patriots are likely to have multiple Auburn players in their 2025 preseason roster—particularly on defense, where Auburn has traditionally excelled. Players such as Juwan Bentley and Brandon King might continue to be part of their roster, with potential additions through drafts or signings.

Factors Influencing Auburn Player Representation in 2025

• Draft Class Quality: The strength of Auburn’s 2023 and 2024 draft classes influences how many players will be on NFL rosters in 2025.
• Player Development: Some Auburn players who weren’t drafted may sign as undrafted free agents or practice squad members, increasing Auburn’s presence.
• Injuries and Roster Moves: Preseason cuts, injuries, and strategic signings can alter team rosters, impacting Auburn representation.
• Coaching Connections: Coaches with Auburn backgrounds or previous ties to Auburn influence recruitment and signings.
• Position Needs: NFL teams prioritize specific positions each year. Auburn’s strengths—such as defense, linebacker corps, or skill positions—align with team needs.

Projected Teams with Most Auburn Players in 2025 Preseason

While concrete roster data for 2025 preseason is unavailable, based on historical trends, draft patterns, and team preferences, the following teams are likely to feature multiple Auburn alumni:

1. Atlanta Falcons

Given their regional proximity, coaching ties, and historical pattern of drafting Auburn players, the Falcons are strong contenders to have the most Auburn players in their 2025 roster. Their emphasis on physical linebackers and defensive backs aligns with Auburn’s talent profile.

2. New England Patriots

The Patriots’ strategic focus on versatile defenders and their history of drafting Auburn athletes make them prime candidates for significant Auburn representation. Their interest in Auburn’s defensive skill sets, combined with their tendency to sign undrafted players, increases their likelihood of maintaining multiple Auburn alumni on their roster.

3. Other Notable Teams

• Cleveland Browns: Known for drafting college players with high football IQ and toughness, they could feature Auburn players, especially on defense.
• Arizona Cardinals: Historically, they’ve drafted Auburn players at linebacker and secondary positions.
• Seattle Seahawks: Under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks value athletic defenders, making Auburn players attractive prospects.

Broader Impacts of College-to-Pro Transitions

The pipeline from Auburn to the NFL is influenced by several factors:

• Recruitment and Development: Auburn’s coaching staff emphasizes physicality, discipline, and technical mastery, preparing players for NFL-level performance.
• NFL Scout Preferences: Scouts value Auburn players’ athleticism, versatility, and competitive nature, leading to higher draft and signing rates.
• Player Success Stories: Successful Auburn alumni in the NFL inspire future prospects and sustain strong recruiting pipelines.
• Regional Influence: Auburn’s geographic location and regional recruiting influence NFL teams in the southeastern United States, such as the Falcons, who often scout Auburn heavily.

While exact roster details for the 2025 preseason are not yet available, historical trends, draft patterns, and team relationships provide a clear indication that the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots are among the NFL teams most likely to feature multiple Auburn alumni in their 2025 preseason rosters.

The Falcons’ regional proximity, coaching ties, and historical drafting patterns suggest they could lead in Auburn player representation. Simultaneously, the Patriots’ strategic focus on versatile, physical defenders aligns with Auburn’s talent profile, making them another primary team for Auburn alumni.

This ongoing relationship underscores Auburn’s reputation as a breeding ground for NFL-caliber talent, with each draft cycle reinforcing its status. As the 2025 preseason approaches, fans and analysts will watch closely to see which teams benefit from Auburn’s talent pool, further solidifying the school’s reputation as a key contributor to the NFL’s talent pipeline.