Former Auburn DL Colby Wooden drafted No. 116 overall to the Green Bay Packers
Former Auburn defensive lineman Colby Wooden has been drafted No. 116 overall to the Green Bay Packers.
Wooden at Auburn
As a true freshman at Auburn, Colby Wooden played in three games. He only logged a half-tackle for loss and 6 total tackles, but he gained valuable experience leading up into the 2020 season. By his freshman campaign, Wooden was 6’4″, 243 pounds, and played as a BUCK linebacker.
Wooden was 268 pounds by the start of the 2020 season. Wooden rotated inside and took on a starting role for the Tigers’ defensive cast. In his new role, Wooden flourished, amassing 41 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pass deflection.
Last season offered similar returns for Wooden as he grew more comfortable in his matured role. In a 12-game regular season for Auburn, Wooden logged 57 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. The athletic defender helped anchor a productive Tigers defensive line and officially announced his presence as an NFL Draft prospect.
His last season was his most disruptive creating 11.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks while switching from interior defensive line to edge due to depth issues.
Wooden’s NFL capability
The best thing that happened for Wooden was having to play edge late in his Auburn career. He seemed to find new confidence in his pass rush. It looked like his high school highlights in which he got to the quarterback often.
Wooden showed more bend on the agility drills during pro day. During the combine he ran in the 4.7 range in the 40, which is impressive for his weight.
If Wooden is going to play as a strong side end in the NFL, he will have to be an edge bender in passing situations. I think he showed that he can do it at a high level Tuesday. I also think his draft stock improved.
