Auburn’s NFL Draft: 8 outsiders beat the high-number odds

Auburn’s NFL Draft: Revisiting the Success of the 2004 Class’ Late-Round Gems

A recent article on Al.com reflected on the remarkable success of several Auburn players from the 2004 NFL Draft who were selected in the later rounds, highlighting how they defied expectations and carved out significant NFL careers. While the headline mentions “8 outsiders,” the article specifically focuses on the impact of players drafted in the seventh round that year.

The 2004 Auburn Tigers were a dominant force in college football, finishing undefeated and winning the SEC Championship. While several key players were drafted, the article shines a light on the longevity and impact of two seventh-round picks who proved to be steals for their respective teams:

• Jay Ratliff (Defensive Tackle) – Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys (7th Round, Pick 224): Ratliff, considered undersized by many scouts, went on to become a four-time Pro Bowler for the Cowboys. He played eight seasons in Dallas, making 104 starts and exceeding all expectations for a late-round pick. His consistent performance and disruptive presence on the defensive line made him one of the best players to come out of that Auburn class, regardless of draft position.
• Ben Obomanu (Wide Receiver) – Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks (7th Round, Pick 249): Obomanu spent seven seasons with the Seahawks, becoming a reliable receiver and special teams contributor. While he didn’t reach Pro Bowl status, his longevity and contributions as a seventh-round pick demonstrate the value that can be found late in the draft.

Key Takeaways from the 2004 Auburn NFL Draft:

• Late-Round Value: The success of Ratliff and Obomanu underscores the importance of thorough scouting and player development, as impactful players can be found even in the final rounds of the NFL Draft.
• Overcoming Projections: Both players were not highly touted prospects but possessed the work ethic and talent to outperform their draft status.
• Strong College Program: The undefeated 2004 Auburn team produced several NFL players across various rounds, indicating the high level of talent and coaching within the program.

Beyond the Seventh Round:

While the Al.com article specifically highlights the seventh-round success stories, the 2004 Auburn draft class also included other notable players drafted earlier:

• Karlos Dansby (Linebacker) – 2nd Round, Pick 33 (Arizona Cardinals): Dansby had a long and productive NFL career, playing for multiple teams and consistently racking up high tackle numbers.
• Dontarrious Thomas (Linebacker) – 2nd Round, Pick 48 (Minnesota Vikings): Thomas was a solid contributor for the Vikings during his time in the league.
• Reggie Torbor (Defensive End) – 4th Round, Pick 97 (New York Giants): Torbor played several seasons in the NFL and was part of the New York Giants team that won Super Bowl XLII.
• Jeris McIntyre (Wide Receiver) – 6th Round, Pick 195 (Kansas City Chiefs): McIntyre had a shorter NFL career but still contributed to the Chiefs’ offense.