Tigers test luck in draft

Three potential early picks

BY CHRISTA TURNER - turnerc@ledger-enquirer.com --

There's no doubt that Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves will likely be drafted in the first two rounds of Saturday's NFL Draft, but the Tigers have two other intriguing prospects in Pat Sims and Patrick Lee.

Sims is one of a just a few players to declare early for the draft during the Tommy Tuberville tenure. Sims had a breakout season with the Tigers in 2007, registering 37 tackles, a whopping 11.5 tackles for a loss and a team-high 4.5 sacks. On the strength of that, Sims will test the NFL waters.

The 6-foot-2 1/2 inch Sims will be taking a chance, but he's received positive feedback before and after declaring early for the draft.

"I feel good about the decision I made about coming out," Sims said. "I don't have any regrets. Since I made my decision, I haven't looked back."

Like Groves, he's been busy the last few weeks traveling to various NFL teams for private meetings/workouts. He's projected to be drafted as high as the second round despite just two solid years playing for the Tigers.

Sims said he's worked out for Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Tampa, New Orleans and San Francisco.

"I'm just laying back, taking it easy," Sims said. "(The team) really doesn't matter. I'll be doing the same thing anywhere I go."

Lee's abilities to play special teams will possibly help him land in the NFL. While there's some concern about his lack of experience at cornerback -- he started just one season for Auburn -- there's no denying his impact on special teams.

Lee has plenty of speed and returned 11 kickoffs for 284 yards and played on all of Auburn's other special teams.

"It's going to help me out," Lee said.

He could easily follow the pattern set by former Carver High and Auburn standout Roderick Hood, who latched on with Philadelphia as a free agent and became the team's nickel back before moving on to Phoenix and a starting position.

The 6-foot, 200-pound Lee is projected to be drafted, however, possibly during the middle rounds of the draft. Last year, Lee finished with 55 tackles, 10 pass break ups and four interceptions.

He said he's excited about the draft, but not concerned about where he's taken.

"I really don't look at it," Lee said. "I'm just ready to get it over and play."

Sims said he and Lee have gotten a place in Miami and will be hanging out, waiting to hear their names called.

"It's a long process, but it's a process you have to go through," Sims said.

The Tigers have three more players who will possibly have their name called out this weekend -- tackle King Dunlap, cornerback Jonathan Wilhite and fullback Carl Stewart. All three, if selected, would be chosen in the late rounds.

Dunlap, who lost his starting tackle position midway through the season, will have his work cut out for him to convince teams he's worth selecting. He's been labled an underachiever and will have to overcome that.

Stewart played behind some talented Auburn running backs, but his ability to play fullback and catch the ball out of the backfield could be his ticket to a career in the NFL.

Another player receiving plenty of looks is cornerback Jonathan Wilhite. Health issues have plagued Wilhite, so he'll have to convince teams he can stay healthy.

Auburn players who could be free agent acquisitions include tight end Cole Bennett, safety Eric Brock, receiver Prechae Rodriguez and defensive tackle Josh Thompson -- who led the Tigers with 67 tackles last year.

One name conspicuously absent from Auburn's list of possible draftees is former quarterback Brandon Cox, who didn't join his teammates for a Pro Day workout and appears content to end his career at this point.

Contact Christa Turner at 706-571-8505