Jaylin Simpson, a former Auburn safety, was selected No. 164 by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He is the second Auburn athlete selected in this year’s draft, trailing former Auburn cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett.
Simpson had the best season of his career in 2023, recording four interceptions, three of which came in the first three games. He became an All-SEC safety over the final two seasons, recording over 70 total tackles and seven career interceptions.

The Brunswick, Georgia native had the option of returning to Auburn for one more season, which he seriously considered. He had planned to play in Auburn’s 2024 Music City Bowl, but opted out due to a nagging hamstring ailment that he did not want to risk worsening during NFL preparation.
But chats with then-defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge persuaded Simpson to go now.

The dominant thought: Why return to college? His draft stock was unlikely to increase significantly.

Simpson was a fan favorite at Auburn because of his high-energy play on the field and humorous, quotable moments off it. Perhaps none more renowned than his created term “Plankton Mentality.”

He performed well during the NFL Combine. Simpson recorded the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash among safeties, the third-highest vertical jump, and the second-longest broad jump.
Simpson’s vertical leap in the combine measured 39.5 inches, but he improved to 40 inches at Auburn’s Pro Day in March.
Simspon was part of a full-fledged defensive backs room departure for the draft. Starters Nehemiah Pritchett, DJ James, and Zion Puckett all entered the NFL Draft alongside Simpson. Kayin Lee and Keionte Scott are Auburn’s only returning defensive backs with any consistent starting experience.

Auburn overhauled their safety position with the signings of Jerrin Thompson from Texas and Laquan Robinson from junior college.