Auburn in the NFL: Lambert-Smith’s First TD, Bigsby’s Breakout, Sherwood’s Steady Rise
It was a big week for several Auburn alums across the NFL, with a rookie wideout making his first splash, a running back finding his rhythm in a new home, and a linebacker continuing to cement himself as one of the league’s most consistent tacklers.
Let’s break it down in this week’s Auburn Made NFL Rundown.
Tank Bigsby, RB - Philadelphia Eagles
Tank Bigsby is starting to look right at home in the Eagles’ backfield. The third-year running back turned in his second-best rushing performance of the season, carrying the ball 17 times for 57 yards in a dominant 31-0 win over the Raiders. It was his most active game since Week 14 of last season, and he made the most of it - ripping off a long of 13 yards and earning a solid 68.9 rushing grade from PFF.
Bigsby has quietly put together a strong season in a limited role. Despite logging just 74 offensive snaps, he’s averaging a robust 5.78 yards per carry and holds an impressive 84.1 overall offensive grade.
That kind of efficiency is hard to ignore, especially in a crowded Eagles backfield. If he keeps producing like this, don’t be surprised if his workload increases down the stretch.
Jamien Sherwood, LB - New York Jets
Jamien Sherwood is doing what he does best - finding the football and making plays. The Jets linebacker racked up eight tackles (five solo) against the Jaguars, finishing second on the team in both categories.
That’s become the norm for Sherwood, who’s now up to 129 total tackles on the season, ranking seventh in the NFL. He also sits 22nd in solo tackles with 55.
After a breakout 2024 campaign where he finished third in total tackles and second in solo stops, Sherwood has only built on that momentum. His PFF grades back it up, too: 70.8 in run defense, 80.4 in tackling, and a career-best 73.8 as a pass rusher.
Among 88 eligible linebackers, he ranks 14th in pass-rush grade and 17th in run defense - a testament to his all-around impact. He’s also defended a career-high eight passes this season, showing growth in coverage as well.
Simply put, Sherwood is evolving into the kind of linebacker every defensive coordinator wants - reliable, versatile, and relentless.
Keandre Lambert-Smith, WR - Los Angeles Chargers
Talk about making your moment count. Rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith hauled in just his second career reception - and it just so happened to be a 16-yard touchdown in a critical AFC West clash with the Chiefs. The score cut Kansas City’s lead to three just before halftime and helped spark the Chargers to a 16-13 win that knocked the Chiefs out of playoff contention.
Lambert-Smith saw a career-high 21 snaps in the game and earned a season-best 74.1 offensive grade from PFF. More importantly, he showed he’s ready for the moment when his number is called.
That touchdown wasn’t just a personal milestone - it was a momentum-changer in a game with major postseason implications. The rookie’s stock is trending up at just the right time.
Other Tigers Around the League
Here’s a look at the other Auburn alumni currently making their mark across the NFL:
- KJ Britt, LB - Miami Dolphins
- Derrick Brown, DE - Carolina Panthers
- Daniel Carlson, K - Las Vegas Raiders
- Carlton Davis III, CB - New England Patriots
- Jamel Dean, CB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Derick Hall, LB - Seattle Seahawks
- Josh Harris, LS - Los Angeles Chargers
- Jarquez Hunter, RB - Los Angeles Rams
- Noah Igbinoghene, CB - Washington Commanders
- Jonathan Jones, CB - Washington Commanders
- Austin Keys, LB - Minnesota Vikings
- Dorian Mausi, LB - 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, DT - Green Bay Packers
On Injured Reserve
- Roger McCreary, CB - Los Angeles Rams
- Jalen McLeod, LB - Jacksonville Jaguars
- Braden Smith, OL - Indianapolis Colts
Practice Squad Players
- Sal Cannella, TE - Cleveland Browns
- Rivaldo Fairweather, TE - Dallas Cowboys
- Shedrick Jackson, WR - Las Vegas Raiders
- Jayson Jones, DT - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Eku Leota, LB - Arizona Cardinals
- Jaylin Simpson, S - Green Bay Packers
- Killian Zierer, OL - Jacksonville Jaguars
From rookies making their first splash to veterans continuing to grind, Auburn’s NFL presence is strong and growing. Whether it’s a game-changing touchdown, a punishing ground attack, or a linebacker who’s always around the ball, these Tigers are showing up and showing out every week.