Auburn football had 18 players participating in its pro day Monday morning with the 2025 NFL draft 31 days away.
Former Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne worked out in front of scouts and as he got a chance to throw to his teammates one last time.
Overall, Thorne enjoyed what he was able to show off during Monday’s workout.
“I would say tight release, ball spinning good, velocity, and then the ball is on target. You know, I don’t know if one ball might have hit the ground today. So that was good,” Thorne said Monday after his Pro Day drills. “And also, my agility. I think that my change of direction is pretty solid. “I’m really going to want to see that number when it comes back.”
In Thorne’s first season at Auburn, things got off to a rough start. It was statistically his worst full season of his career, throwing for less than 2,000 yards.
Last season Thorne passed for 2,713 yards to go along with 21 touchdowns, including eight in the last three games.
Auburn vs. Alabama
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)AP
Despite the improvements in the passing game, Thorne threw nine interceptions with some proving costly, resulting in him being benched for a game and a half.
While breaking down his NFL goals, Thorne embraced his journey saying it will make the transition through the professional ranks easier.
“I think that’s something that I have in my back pocket too, that maybe other guys don’t have. You know, I’ve been through a lot of adversity in my career, both at Michigan State and here, you know, I’ve been a part of a very successful season. I’ve been a part of not as good seasons. I’ve got sat down for a game, and not many other guys can say that,” Thorne said.
“Playing four years of college football, I feel like I have a ton of experience. I’ve seen a lot of defenses and have been through a lot of things. So, I think I have that going for me, and you know, I’ll always look to build on that.”
The NFL draft is scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thorne is projected to hear his name called on the final day of the draft.
Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at JHumphreyIII@al.com.