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After two former Auburn Tigers were taken in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, three more joined the professional ranks in the following days. The St. Louis Rams, who took ex-Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson second overall, selected running back Tre Mason in the third round, 75th overall. The Houston Texans drafted H-back/fullback Jay Prosch with the 211th overall pick in the sixth round. Chris Davis, who some fans may remember for his role in the 2013 Iron Bowl, was not picked, but he signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers.
Mason, who passed up his senior season on the Plains, shot up draft boards throughout the 2013 season. Once he took over as Auburn's go-to back, he proved to be the workhorse that NFL teams covet. In the final six games of the year, which included a matchup against Alabama, the SEC Championship Game against Missouri and the BCS Championship Game against Florida State, he averaged 31.3 carries for 177.2 yards and a total of 14 touchdowns.
When it was all said and done, Mason set school records with 1,816 rushing yards yards and 23 scores on the ground. A big part of Auburn's -- and Mason's -- success running the ball was Prosch, who deflected linebackers and other would-be tacklers with a mean streak and brutal blocking. He'll certainly have a chance to be one of the more physical players in Houston.
Davis is best remembered for his 109-yard missed field goal return to take down Alabama, but he also put up 74 tackles and 2.5 for loss, and he broke up 14 passes in 2013. What his role in San Diego will be remains to be seen, but he could be an asset in the return game. In addition to becoming an Iron Bowl legend, he averaged 18.7 yards on 17 punt returns last season.