Former Auburn standouts may not have heard their names called on the opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft, but that has not stopped analysts from believing they could become some of the biggest steals in the class. ESPN’s Field Yates recently highlighted several late-round selections who are in position to make an immediate impact in the NFL, and three former Tigers made the list: Jeremiah Wright, Keionte Scott, and Bobby Jamison-Travis.
While first-round picks typically enter the league with the highest expectations and the largest contracts, NFL history has repeatedly shown that stars can emerge from any round. Players such as Tom Brady, Brock Purdy, and Puka Nacua all exceeded expectations after being selected later in the draft, proving that opportunity and development can matter just as much as draft position. Yates believes Auburn’s former players could follow a similar path by earning meaningful snaps early in their rookie seasons.
Leading the group is offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 132nd overall pick in the fourth round. Wright spent several seasons anchoring Auburn’s offensive front and built a reputation as one of the team’s most physical blockers. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 331 pounds, he brings the size and toughness NFL teams covet in the trenches. Yates noted that Wright’s ability to dominate in the running game could help him carve out a role quickly for a Saints offense looking to improve its physicality up front.
Defensive back Keionte Scott also received praise after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 116th overall pick in the fourth round. Scott revitalized his career during his final collegiate season at Miami, where he played a key role in the Hurricanes’ run to the national championship game. Known for his explosiveness and versatility, Scott showcased his playmaking ability in Miami’s playoff upset over Ohio State when he intercepted quarterback Julian Sayin and returned the pick for a touchdown. Yates admitted he expected Scott to be drafted earlier and believes his athleticism and instincts could allow him to contribute immediately in Tampa Bay’s secondary and special teams units.
The third Auburn product recognized by Yates was defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis, who landed with the New York Giants. Although his final season at Auburn did not feature eye-popping statistics, Jamison-Travis still demonstrated the traits NFL teams value in interior defenders. He recorded 36 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry while serving as a disruptive presence against the run. At 6-foot-4 and 322 pounds, Jamison-Travis possesses impressive size, length, and strength, qualities Yates believes could help him earn snaps early in run-defense situations for the Giants.
For Auburn fans, the recognition serves as another reminder that NFL talent can emerge from every stage of the draft. Even without first-round status, Wright, Scott, and Jamison-Travis now have an opportunity to prove they belong at the next level and potentially become some of the best value picks from the 2026 class.
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