The deadline for underclassmen to declare early for the NFL Draft in 2016 has now passed. Auburn running back Peyton Barber apparently got in just in time, although few expected him to even be thinking about leaving Auburn in 2016.
“I have decided to forego my eligibility at Auburn and enter the 2016 NFL Draft,” Barber said in a released statement, which was shared by Al.com. “This was a very tough decision for many reasons but after my family and I prayed about it, I know I am ready for the next step and that this is the best decision for me.”
Barber rushed for 1,016 yards and 13 touchdowns for Auburn as a redshirt sophomore in 2015. He will be joining a crowded field of pro hopefuls, with 13 other underclassmen running backs already declaring, in addition to the senior class coming out for a position that has seen a diminished importance in the NFL Draft in recent years, at least in the early rounds. Barber did note he expects to be graduating from Auburn and he will continue working toward his degree while pursuing his NFL dream. This would suggest Barber received an encouraging draft analysis from the NFL’s draft advisory committee.
Barber may be selling high on his college body of work as well, because the Auburn backfield could potentially be stacked next season with the returns of Jovon Robinson and Roc Thomas. So Auburn’s running back depth should still be fine in 2016 even without Barber, but it should be interesting to see how this decision pans out in the draft.