Thankfully, with GF's and Prowler's incredible inside connections, we don't have to ponder this question. It doesn't bother me at all to see a guy leave early for the NFL. "Early" is misleading because most of the time, if a guy is going to be in the top 3 rounds, you can tell before his junior year.
Anywho, I wish Duke the best and even though it was but one year, I'm thankful to have seen him play. He reminds me so much of me that it brings a tear. Jump up there and tear the ball away from 2 or 3 defenders kind of good. And then run up in the stands and slap they momma.
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/dhaquille_williams_sets_record.htmlD'haquille Williams sets record straight as fans wonder about Auburn receiver's future
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Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com By Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com
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on December 16, 2014 at 7:58 PM, updated December 16, 2014 at 8:13 PM
AUBURN, Alabama -- D'haquille Williams is not going anywhere -- yet.
The Auburn receiver is still contemplating whether to go pro or return for his senior season, but that didn't stop him from setting Twitter ablaze with speculation Tuesday with one simple message: "I have to do what's best for me and my family."
Williams has discussed his future with Gus Malzahn, offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and receivers coach Dameyune Craig in recent days. On the heels of Sammie Coates declaring for the NFL Draft on Monday, all eyes have turned to Williams as he ponders whether to declare for the NFL Draft.
"He's not quite sure what he's going to do yet," Lashlee said.
Williams, who missed practice Tuesday due to illness, echoed that stance in a follow-up message to fans on Twitter: "I said I have to do what's best for my family so that don't (sic) mean I'm going pro or coming back yet."
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper projects Williams as a late-first to mid-second round pick in the NFL Draft. Kiper's opinion, however, is not what Williams is paying attention to in the coming weeks. A round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board will have a big influence on his decision.
AUBURN, Alabama - Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee talks after practice Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, about Duke Williams possibly entering the NFL draft early. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com)
Williams' draft stock is on the rise following a seven-catch, 121-yard performance in the Tigers' 55-44 loss at No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 29. He was overshadowed by Coates' career night of five catches for 206 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but Williams made several difficult grabs on an injured knee that impressed scouts. Auburn's most consistent receiver leads the Tigers with 45 catches for 730 yards and five touchdowns despite missing two games with a sprained MCL.
"As a coach, if a young man is going to be a first or second round pick, specifically for-sure a first (round), and he's eligible, it's not crazy for him not to go," Lashlee said.
Lashlee pointed to the departures of running back Tre Mason and left tackle Greg Robinson last season. Robinson was picked second overall by the St. Louis Rams and Mason was selected in the third round.
"You try to educate them and just make sure they're listening to the right people because all kinds of people can get in your ear and you never know what they're going to say," Lashlee said.
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