Mel Kiper Jr. grades Auburn players entering NFL Draft

AUBURN -- Former Auburn players will have a strong showing in this year's NFL Draft, according to ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

After two years of Auburn having only one player selected in the NFL Draft, Kiper sees as many as five former Tigers being drafted this year.

Kiper expects Greg Robinson to go anywhere from No. 2 to St. Louis, No. 5 to Oakland or No. 5 to Atlanta.

"Those would be the teams that would make the most sense," Kiper said during a conference call on Wednesday, "Greg Robinson has incredible upside. He is a dominant factor when he has to throw people off the line of scrimmage."

The biggest knock on Robinson, wide considered the top tackle prospect in this year's draft, is his pass blocking. Auburn was the top rushing offense in the country in 2013 but was limited in the passing game so there wasn't much opportunity for Robinson to showcase or develop his skills in that area.

"He needs to work on his pass protection technique," Kiper said. "He is still sloppy in pass protection, and he had some issues in pass protection, which is obviously something that has to be corrected and has to be maximized once he gets to the NFL. He'll be a little bit of a work in progress coming out a third-year sophomore but most upside, most talent, he's going to go (No.) 2-to-6."

As for Dee Ford, Auburn's leader in sacks each of the last two years, Kiper sees him as a late first-round or early second-round pick. Ford is not among the 30 prospects attending this year's Draft in New York City.

"Dee Ford is a borderline first," Kiper said. "I thought at different times and at different stages maybe late first to New Orleans. They could be looking for a player like Dee Ford, (Saints defensive coordinator) Rob Ryan could. Or it could be early second round to Atlanta where he could put his hand on the ground and be a pass rusher, which is what Atlanta needs, if they get the offensive tackle in round one."

Heisman Trophy finalist Tre Mason received a third-round grade from Kiper, with his pass blocking being the top concern.

"His blocking needs to improve," Kiper said of Auburn's single-season rushing record holder. "But he caught the ball better and he's an excellent runner. He's a Ray Rice-type runner I believe. I would say third round for him."

Iron Bowl hero Chris Davis is going to be a mid-round selection. His height, 5-foot-9 3/4 inches, is a concern as a defensive back but his return ability makes him a valuable asset to teams in need of help on special teams.

"Davis, with the return ability, you saw what he did against Alabama," Kiper said. "He's a developmental player in the secondary. I think he could be a fifth to sixth round pick."

Steven Clark, one of only a handful of punters who attended this year's NFL Scouting Combine, could be a drafted as well. Kiper believes Clark, who averaged 42.6 yards per punt last season, is the best punter in the Draft.

"I have him as the No. 1 punter," Kiper said. "I think Clark is a late-rounder. If you're looking for a punter, he's the No. 1 punter. If you want a guy in the sixth, seventh rounder or a priority free agent."

This year's Draft will be held from May 8-10 at Radio City Music Hall.