Kris Frost, Cassanova McKinzy considering leaving for NFL Draft

AUBURN -- Linebackers Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy are considering whether or not to returns for their senior seasons or declare for the 2015 NFL Draft.

Auburn's starting linebackers, both juniors, have submitted their paperwork for evaluation by the NFL Draft Advisory Board and are awaiting the results as they mull their options.

"We've both been talking to each other through this whole entire process," Frost said. "It kinda feels like recruiting all over again. We've both been weighing out the options of coming our early or staying. It's all about how we feel, going into this bowl game how we play, what's right for us, what's the right business decision for us and our families. I can't really speak for him, but I know he's going to make the best decision for him — as I am."

McKinzy is second on the team with 82 tackles, including a team-high 10 for loss this season, and led Auburn with 75 tackles in 2013. He's appeared in all 26 games the past two seasons with 25 starts.

The 6-foot-3 249 pound Birmingham native is rated the No. 6 rated inside linebacker in the 2016 draft class by NFLDraftScout.com.

In his first season as a starter, Frost moved to outside linebacker and had 75 tackles with nine for loss, including 2.5 sacks. He added three forced fumbles, including the goal line play against Ole Miss, and recovered a fumble and had an interception.

Frost said he's weighing his options because of his strong performance this season.

"At this point, you've got to look at your competition," he said, "look who's coming out, and look at your options."

The 6-foot-2 234 pound Frost is rated the No. 14 outside linebacker by NFLDraftScout.com.

It's customary for draft eligible players to submit paperwork for evaluation by the NFLDAB, but there were tweaks to the process as the numbers of underclassmen declaring and going undrafted have both been on the rise.

The possible grades players can receive have been trimmed down from five to three (first, second or neither) in order to best project where players could be selected. Based on current evaluations, neither McKinzy or Frost are thought to be likely selections in the first two rounds if they left for this year's draft.

Should they depart, Auburn would have to replace both of its starting linebackers, with Anthony Swain, Justin Garrett and Tre' Williams as the most experienced returning players. Auburn has four linebackers committed to its 2015 recruiting class.

If either or both Frost and McKinzy return, they'll have to learn another new defensive scheme under newly hired coordinator Will Muschamp.

"I feel like with all the defenses that I've learned in the past and everything, I think it would be a fairly easy transition," Frost said. "It's all about maturity and it's all about getting into it and coming in extra and putting in extra effort to learn what you need to learn."