Former Auburn safety Jaylin Simpson was selected No. 164 by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He is the second Auburn player taken in this year’s draft, coming behind former Auburn cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett.

Simpson had the best season of his career with 2023 with four interceptions including three in the first three games of the year. He developed into an All-SEC safety with more than 70 total tackles over the last two seasons and seven career interceptions.

The Brunswick, Georgia, native had the option to come back to Auburn for one more season if he wanted and certainly considered it strongly. He initially planned to play in Auburn’s 2024 Music City Bowl appearance, but opted not to because of a lingering hamstring injury he didn’t want to risk further in NFL preparation.

But conversations with then-defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge convinced Simpson to go now.

The prevailing thought: Why come back to college? His draft stock probably wasn’t going to get much higher.

Simpson was a fan favorite throughout his time at Auburn for his high-energy play on the field and funny, quotable moments off it. Maybe none more notable than his coined “Plankton Mentality.”

He tested well at the NFL Combine. Simpson had the fourth fasted 40-yard dash time among safeties, the third highest vertical jump and second further broad jump.

Simpson’s vertical jump at the combine came in at 39.5 inches, which he improved to 40 inches at Auburn’s Pro Day in March.

Simspon was part of a full-scale defensive backs room departure to the draft. Starters Nehemiah Pritchett, DJ James and Zion Puckett all entered the NFL Draft along with Simpson. Kayin Lee and Keionte Scott are the only returning defensive backs with any consistent starting experience at Auburn.

Auburn reshaped its safety position with additions including Jerrin Thompson from Texas and Laquan Robinson from junior college.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]