Auburn prospects that could interest the Chiefs

Auburn beat writer James Crepea was kind enough to share his thoughts on a couple possible Chiefs draft prospects and Olathe (KS) product Braden Smith as the NFL Draft approaches

Every year Auburn produces top shelf draft prospects. This year, two prominent Auburn defenders have found their names associated with the Kansas City Chiefs during the pre-draft process in cornerback Carlton Davis and pass rusher Jeff Holland. Both could help fill options for the Chiefs as they look to compete to win the AFC in 2018. Meanwhile, Olathe South (KS) and Auburn product Braden Smith finds himself as one of the top interior offensive line products in the draft and looks forward to a long and successful career in the NFL.

Auburn beat writer James Crepea was kind enough to share his thoughts on a couple possible Chiefs draft prospects and Olathe (KS) product Braden Smith as the NFL Draft approaches

Carlton Davis, CB, 6-1, 203 lbs.

Was Carlton Davis’s NFL declaration expected?

Yes. He was an All-American and initially projected as a late first-round or second-round pick.

What was the reaction when he decided to not play in the Sugar Bowl?

Like most college fans bases, there were some who weren’t thrilled at a very good player choosing to sit out a game when the rest of the team didn’t. Among the players, none seemed too bothered by it.

Can you give us some insight into his strengths and weaknesses?

He’s great in press man and uses his size to his advantage. His hands are his biggest weakness, both that he uses them to be a bit grabby at times and also that he is not good at catching the ball for interceptions.

Will Carlton Davis tackle?

Yes, Carlton is a fine tackler due in large part to his press man coverage. Receivers did not get many yards after the catch against him.

What kind of person is Carlton Davis off the field? In the locker room?

Off the field, he’s a quiet guy. He was one of four players arrested for marijuana possession during the spring of his freshman year, but that’s hardly a big deal. In the locker room, teammates described Carlton as a great player and good teammate. I wouldn’t describe him as a leader, mainly because others filled that role at Auburn.

Describe the player Carlton Davis was for Auburn during his three years.

Carlton was productive as a true freshman and one of the few bright spots on Auburn’s defense under Will Muschamp in 2015. His production was somewhat misleading in that teams were naturally targeting a freshman more than senior corner Jonathan Jones, now with the Patriots. Davis played through a minor injury for most of 2016 so his statistical contributions dropped off in part due to that. Last season was by far his best in coverage.

Jeff Holland, EDGE, 6-2, 249 lbs.

Was Jeff Holland’s NFL declaration expected?

Absolutely. He was a strong SEC edge rusher and those players don’t stay long.

What are his greatest strengths? What about his weaknesses?

When Holland can pin his ears back and rush the passer he’s very effective and violent in pursuit. He is not that good against the run, lacks great speed for an edge player and as his NFL Combine numbers show, not all that athletic compared to other edge players in this year’s draft.

What kind of person is Jeff Holland off the field? In the locker room?

Holland is also very quiet and keeps to himself as far as interviews. If it’s not about football, he doesn’t like to engage in personal conversation. He was more outgoing with teammates and his social media postings would show he could let loose and be loud when he wants to be.

Describe the player Jeff Holland was for Auburn during his three years.

Holland was a fine backup to Carl Lawson for his first two years and delivered in a big way as the starter in 2017.

OL Braden Smith (6- 6/ 303)

What can you tell us about Braden’s strengths and weaknesses?

Smith is a physical freak. His Combine results don’t entire do him justice; he’s a big weight room guy. His footwork could be better in a few aspects and he plays top-heavy at times.

What kind of person is Braden Smith off the field? In the locker room?

Off the field Smith is a class act and a very low key. He’s short and to the point, but can also be goofy when he gets to know you a bit. Dry and wry might be the best way to describe him, but don’t misunderstand, he’s a pro. He recently got engaged to his girlfriend of over three years, Auburn softball catcher Courtney Shea. In the locker room, again straight class and consummate pro. Very serious about his job and doing what he’s told.

Describe the player Braden Smith was for Auburn during his four years.

Smith was a late addition to Auburn’s 2014 recruiting class when Greg Robinson went pro. He more or less fell in Auburn’s lap because TCU changed offensive line coaches and he was looking at other options and Auburn badly needed a lineman. He worked his way onto the field as a true freshman, mostly as a blocking tight end and started the Outback Bowl at right tackle.

He moved to right guard and was one of the best interior offensive lineman in the SEC for the rest of his career. PFF’s analytics of Smith can further detail how well he did, particularly as a run blocker.

What was the reaction, if any, to Auburn football signing a kid from Kansas?

Due to the circumstances it wasn’t all that unusual. The reaction at the time was focused more on the fact that he was a four-star offensive lineman they desperately needed and I believe was the top OL available.

Do fans/media follow Auburn players during the draft process and through their NFL careers?

Fans vary. The more beloved players, like Cam Newton, absolutely. Non-skill position players and some defenders are tougher sells for the long-term among fans. If the players are from the state of Alabama that provides a boost, so Kerryon Johnson will likely be the player Auburn fans follow most in this year’s draft. Media follows former Auburn players during the draft.

Outlets vary in their NFL coverage because there are no pro teams in the state and depending on where you are located, either the Falcons, Saints or Titans are the more popular teams, though they still don’t generate anywhere near the interest of Auburn or Alabama in this state.

What are the expectations/ outlook for the Auburn football program in 2018?

Auburn is usually expected to compete for an SEC Championship and 2018 will be no different. The defense is loaded with talent and depth, particularly on the defensive line. The offense is led by Jarrett Stidham and should be more passing oriented than in recent years as the top two running backs have to be replaced and the offensive line is being rebuilt.

James Crepea covers all things Auburn athletics for AL.com. You can follow him on twitter at @JamesCrepea.