NFL Draft: Tampa Bay picks Jamel Dean in third round

NFL Draft: Tampa Bay picks Jamel Dean in third roundNFL Draft: Tampa Bay picks Jamel Dean in third round

NFL bound: Tampa Bay drafted former Auburn cornerback Jamel Dean

AUBURN, Ala. – Jamel Dean's NFL journey began Friday when the Tampa Bay Bucs picked the former Auburn defensive back in the third round of the NFL draft, the No. 94 selection overall.

A two-year starter in Auburn's secondary, Dean intercepted passes last season against Washington and Georgia. For his career, he made 73 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, including a sack. He recovered a fumble last season against Texas A&M.

Dean, who overcame three knee surgeries, wowed scouts and general managers at the NFL Combine, running a 4.3 40-yard dash.

"I knew I had it in me," said Dean at Auburn's Pro Day on March 8. "I was just upset that I didn't go 4.2. At one point, I thought I was never going to play football again. Now I'm out there living my dreams, and I'm getting closer to the NFL. I feel like everything is falling in place now."

Dean's pro football career will start in his home state of Florida, two hours west of his hometown, Cocoa.

"It was like one of the greatest feelings ever," Dean said on Pro Day. "A lot of people said I made a lot of money after running that 40, and just my performance at the Combine in general.

"After each injury, I knew I had to work harder than normal just to bounce back. Some teams were surprised. Some teams said they knew I was fast, but they didn't know I was that fast.

"It's a great feeling, but I've got to stay humble, make sure I stay prayed up."

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