Jamel Dean recorded a pick-six to help lead the Buccaneers to their first 3-0 start since 2005 in a week dominated by defense from former Tigers.
That and more in this week’s Auburn Made NFL rundown.
Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dean played a crucial role in Tampa’s 29-27 victory over the Jets, recording a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown before the end of the first half to put the Bucs ahead two scores. It was Dean’s ninth career interception and second career pick-six. He achieved a 92.2 PFF for the game, which was the highest on the team and second among NFL cornerbacks, and did not allow a reception on three targets. Through three weeks this season, the former third-round draft pick improved his PFF coverage grade to 80.1, which is fifth out of 158 cornerbacks, and has an overall PFF grade of 79.1, which ranks sixth in the league.
Austin Keys, LB, Minnesota Vikings
Rookie linebacker Austin Keys recorded his first career sack in his second-ever NFL game Sunday against Cincinnati. The undrafted free agent, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings and made the 53-man roster out of training camp, sacked quarterback Jake Browning for an 11-yard loss during the Vikings’ 48-10 thrashing of the Bengals. The sack marked Keys’ first career tackle.
Jamien Sherwood, LB, New York Jets
For the second week in a row, Sherwood led the Jets with a game-high 11 total tackles, including five solo tackles. It was his ninth double-digit tackle performance in the last two seasons, including his second straight. Coming off a season in which he led the NFL in solo tackles (98) and ranked fourth in total tackles (158), which earned him the title of the Jets’ 2024 MVP, Sherwood is currently ranks sixth in the NFL in total tackles (30). The 2025 team captain has increased his PFF run defense grade to an 83.6, which ranks 10th out of 123 linebackers.
Braden Smith, OL, Indianapolis Colts
Smith has helped the Colts to another impressive offensive performance in a 41-20 victory against Tennessee. Smith has yet to allow a sack and has laid the groundwork for the success of the Colts’ offense, which ranks second in the NFL in yards per game (418.7) and is one of two offenses to be ranked in the top five in passing and rushing yards per game. Smith has only allowed three pressures and has yet to allow a QB hit in 188 snaps. After turning in his highest pass blocking grade of the season in week three (82.6), Smith increased his pass blocking PFF grade to 73.5, which ranks top 25 among NFL tackles.
Other Tigers in the NFL
Tank Bigsby, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
KJ Britt, LB, Miami Dolphins
Derrick Brown, DT, Carolina Panthers
Daniel Carlson, K, Las Vegas Raiders
Carlton Davis III, CB, New England Patriots
Derick Hall, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Washington Commanders
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Dorian Mausi, LB, Tennessee Titans
Roger McCreary, CB, Tennessee Titans
Bo Nix*, QB, Denver Broncos
Owen Pappoe, LB, Arizona Cardinals
JJ Pegues*, DL, Las Vegas Raiders
Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
Jarrett Stidham, QB, Denver Broncos
Daniel Thomas, S, Detroit Lions
Malik Willis*, QB, Green Bay Packers
Colby Wooden, DL, Green Bay Packers
DNP (Injured Reserve)
Byron Cowart*, DT, New York Jets
Josh Harris, LS, Los Angeles Chargers
Jonathan Jones, CB, Washington Commanders
Jalen McLeod, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Practice Squad
Rivaldo Fairweather, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Shedrick Jackson, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Jayson Jones, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Eku Leota, LB, New Orleans Saints
Jaylin Simpson, S, Green Bay Packers
Killian Zierer, OT, San Francisco 49ers
*Completed eligibility at another institution
