Auburn’s recent NFL draft history could be described as feast or famine. In three of the five previous NFL drafts entering this year’s edition — which kicks off Thursday night — the Tigers have had no first-round picks, while two former Auburn players have been selected in the first round in each of the other two years.

That includes, of course, Cam Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in 2011.

Like it did in 2012, 2013 and 2015, Auburn could go without a first-rounder again this year. But the Tigers could have as many as 11 players drafted, which would be a significant haul.

What are the most interesting storylines and questions heading into this year’s draft (Thursday-Saturday in Chicago)? And which Tiger players hope to get selected?

Here’s a guide:

Three key questions

1. Who will be the first Auburn player selected?

Offensive tackle Shon Coleman is projected by multiple outlets to go in the second round, and we’ve detected a pattern here. Coleman, fellow offensive tackle Avery Young and running back Peyton Barber are all early draft entrants, and all three could be chosen at some point this weekend.

Even though Coleman will more than likely be the first Auburn player drafted, at least one media type feels that the 6-5, 307-pound lineman should not be selected at all. According to NFL Media Senior Analyst Gil Brandt, Coleman is one of seven players who should have stayed in school.

When you consider that Coleman, a leukemia survivor, is 24 and has already graduated, you can’t blame him for deciding to take the next step. We feel the same way about Barber’s decision to leave school early and go pro, which he is doing because his mother is apparently homeless, according to cbssports.com.

2. How many Tigers will be drafted?

Led by Coleman, figure on as many as eight. Young, cornerback Jonathan Jones and wideout Ricardo Louis are projected to be taken in the middle rounds, and Barber is projected to go in the sixth, according to nfl.com.

After them, it could get dicey. Linebackers Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost could go somewhere between the sixth and seventh rounds. Former Auburn receiver D’haquille (Duke) Williams is viewed as a potential late-round pick or undrafted free agent.

Defensive end DaVonte Lambert, cornerback Blake Countess and wideout Melvin Ray are likely to take the free-agent route.

Five Auburn players — WR Sammie Coates, DT Angelo Blackson, DT Gabe Wright, TE C.J. Uzomah and RB Cameron Artis-Payne — were drafted last year.

3. Who will make the best pro?

A year ago, Williams might have been the answer to this question, but his continued troubles and ultimate dismissal put his NFL future at risk. Two seasons ago, Williams had 45 catches for 730 yards and 5 receiving TDs — all team-highs and better numbers than those of Coates, whom Pittsburgh took in the third round last year.

Jones delivered a strong performance at the NFL Combine, running a 4.33 40. Meanwhile, Louis led all receivers with a 132-inch broad jump, and his 4.43 40 time was fourth among all wideouts at the Combine.

Late last season, Coleman played with a slight MCL tear in his right knee and wasn’t able to participate in physical activities during Auburn’s pro day. But’s he’s also a cancer survivor who eventually became one of the SEC’s best offensive linemen, and it would not be surprising if Coleman beat the odds again to become a regular contributor in the NFL.

Draft projections

1. Shon Coleman, OT (second round)
2. Jonathan Jones, CB (fourth or fifth round)
3. Avery Young, OT (fourth or fifth round)
4. Ricardo Louis, WR (fourth of fifth round)
5. Peyton Barber, RB (sixth round)
6. Cassnova McKinzy, LB (sixth or seventh round)
7. Kris Frost, LB (sixth or seventh round)
8. D’haquille Williams, WR (seventh round or priority free agent)
9. DaVonte Lambert, DE (priority free agent)
10. Blake Countess, CB (priority free agent)
11. Melvin Ray, WR (priority free agent)

Recent history

  • 2015: No first-round, five picks
  • 2014: Two first-round (Greg Robinson, Dee Ford), four picks
  • 2013: No first-round, one pick
  • 2012: No first-round, one pick
  • 2011: Two first-round (Cam Newton, Nick Fairley), four picks