2025 NFL Draft recap: Auburn trio gets the call

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn teammates Jarquez Hunter and KeAndre Lambert-Smith will share the same stadium in Los Angeles next season when Hunter runs for the Rams and KLS receives for the Chargers. 

The first Tiger off the board, Hunter joined the Rams Saturday when Los Angeles traded up to select Auburn’s fourth all-time leading rusher in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 117th overall pick.  

Surrounded by family and friends in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Hunter thanked Auburn for helping prepare him for professional football. 

“All the support and love that Auburn has given me, I love Auburn,” Hunter said. “Auburn will always be in my heart. It’s a dream come true to go to my dream school, but now they’re giving me a chance to play in the NFL. Auburn gave me so many resources to get to where I’m at now. I appreciate Auburn for everything they’ve done.”

Moments before the selection was announced. Rams coach Sean McVay called Hunter to share the good news. 

“We’ve loved your tape for a long time,” McVay told him. “You’re our kind of guy.”

Nearly 900 miles northeast in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a similar celebratory scene played out Saturday afternoon when the Chargers selected Lambert-Smith in the fifth round with pick No. 158 overall.

Both general managers who selected Hunter and Lambert-Smith, respectively, the Rams’ Les Snead and the Chargers’ Joe Hortiz, are Auburn graduates.  The Chargers and Rams both play their home games in SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 

“You are about to become a Charger,” Ortiz told Lambert-Smith in a phone call before the pick was announced. “Our coaches love you.”

Lambert-Smith, who made 50 catches for 981 yards and eight touchdowns in his only season on the Plains after transferring from Penn State, called Auburn receivers coach Marcus Davis to celebrate.

“I said I’ve got to call my guy,” Lambert-Smith told Davis. “’Big Play ‘Dre to LA!’ It has a ring to it.”

In round six, the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Auburn linebacker Jalen McLeod with pick No. 194. 

A two-year starter for the Tigers after transferring from Appalachian State, McLeod led Auburn with eight sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss last season, ranking sixth in the SEC.

“I let the film talk for itself,” McLeod said March 27 after Auburn’s Pro Day.  “I can’t wait until I can step into the building and show what I can bring to the table. I’m excited.”

Ready to make some noise in DUUVAL 🗣️@_JayRashaan | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/XR0crcs5OQ

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) April 26, 2025

Undrafted Auburn players will still have an opportunity to realize their NFL dreams, signing as free agents, including quarterback Payton Thorne (Cincinnati Bengals), linebacker Eugene Asante (Miami Dolphins), tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (Dallas Cowboys), defensive lineman Jayson Jones (Baltimore Ravens), defensive lineman Philip Blidi (Tennessee Titans), linebacker Dorian Mausi (Minnesota Vikings), linebacker Austin Keys (Minnesota Vikings), defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (Tennessee Titans), wide receiver Robert Lewis (Minnesota Vikings), punter Oscar Chapman (Minnesota Vikings), defensive back Jerrin Thompson (Tennessee Titans) and tight end Luke Deal (Detroit Lions).

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