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Auburn Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Kamryn Pettway #36 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Austin Roberts #95 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Kamryn Pettway #36 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Austin Roberts #95 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 8: Quarterback John Franklin III #5 of the Auburn Tigers scrambles for yardage against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA college football game on October 8, 2016 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 8: Quarterback John Franklin III #5 of the Auburn Tigers scrambles for yardage against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA college football game on October 8, 2016 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

Starting receivers: Nate Craig-Myers, Eli Stove, Darius Slayton
Backup: Jason Smith, Ryan Davis, Kyle Davis, John Franklin III

If you’re concerned about Auburn’s wide receiver situation heading into the 2017 campaign, you’re not alone. Although there are talented options to choose from such as Nate Craig-Myers, Eli Stove and Darius Slayton, none of them finished with over 300 yards in 2016.

In fact, the team’s leading receiver from a season ago was Tony Stevens, surprisingly, as he caught 31 passes for 487 yards and three touchdowns. He has since graduated, making the lead returning receiver a sophomore in Slayton. He finished the season with 15 catches for 292 yards and a score.

The three projected starting receivers for 2017 had a combined 42 catches last season for 586 yards and two touchdowns. Auburn better hope that whoever the No. 1 receiver in 2017 is has those numbers on his own. With Stidham, or Sean White, at quarterback, that seems likely.

Jason Smith, Ryan Davis, Kyle Davis and John Franklin III can all contribute as well. The latter was a backup quarterback last season, but his versatility was good enough to land him a position change.

Related Story: SEC Football: 5 teams that can dethrone Alabama in 2017

Stove might just be the top option, though, as his proven versatility is unmatched. He finished with 224 receiving yards and 131 rushing yards on 11.9 yards per carry last season.

Starting tight end: Jalen Harris
Backup: Sal Cannella

Jalen Harris was one of the top tight ends in the 2015 recruiting class and he’s finally getting his chance to start for the Tigers. He only has two career receptions for 16 yards, but you can expect that number to grow exponentially in 2017. Sophomore Sal Cannella might fight him for reps, but as of right now, it’s Harris’ job to lose.

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