Can Xavier Atkins' pursuit skills outweigh his size to NFL scouts?

[ASFN Admin]

After breaking out last season, Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins is poised to become Auburn's next high-profile NFL draft pick.

Atkins made a statement in 2025 by leading the SEC in tackles for loss (17) and finishing third in sacks (9). Not only has Atkins become a household name in college football, but he has caught the eye of NFL scouts ahead of the new season.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently featured Atkins in his NFL Draft Summer Scouting series, where he ranked the best draft-eligible linebackers ahead of the 2026 season. Atkins checks in at No. 3 due to his incredible ball-carrier pursuit skills, which Brugler describes as "rabid."

The best example of Atkins’ twitchy, rabid pursuit came on the Arkansas tape. Quarterback Taylen Green gave defenses trouble all season with his legs, but he managed only 14 rushing yards against Auburn — mostly because of Atkins’ spying skills. Atkins finished the game with 13 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.

In addition to providing a strength, Brugler also mentioned a weakness for each linebacker. Unfortunately for Atkins, his weakness is one he can not control.

The NFL is tight when it comes to size. For Atkins, his 6-0, 210-pound frame prevents him from being higher on NFL draft boards. Brugler hopes to see Atkins continue to play "bigger" than he is, and provides a guideline for how Atkins can entertain scouts despite his size.

Regardless of his alignment, he’s shown he can fly to the football and arrive like a ton of bricks. His NFL projection is a tad complicated due to his size and usage, but Atkins is well-liked around the league.

According to Brugler's ranking, Clemson's Sammy Brown and Georgia's Chris Cole are ahead of Atkins this preseason. Atkins will work this season to overtake Brown and Cole on the linebacker draft boards and become Auburn's second-straight first-round pick, following former Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk, who was selected No. 31 overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2026 NFL Draft.


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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Can Xavier Atkins' pursuit skills outweigh his size to NFL scouts?

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