Auburn will now lose two key figures along its defensive line as defensive tackle Justin Rogers announced Thursday that he has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft with a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Rogers played one season at Auburn after transferring last offseason from Kentucky. He initially began the season as a backup defensive lineman before working his way into a starting role alongside Marcus Harris, who is also heading to the professional ranks.

He had 17 tackles — two for loss — and a sack in his lone season with Auburn.

It was announced Rogers accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl during the week leading up to the Music City Bowl in late December. The East-West game, which is one of several showcase events for NFL Draft-bound players to get in front of scouts — is set to be played on Feb. 1.

And while Rogers was previously known to be on his way to the East-West Shrine Bowl, he had not yet made a firm decision if he would put his name in the NFL Draft before Thursday’s post.

Because Harris and Rogers are both leaving, Auburn has heavily recruited from both high school players and the transfer portal to fill its defensive line.

Auburn brought in Trill Carter from Texas as well as Gage Keys from Kansas out of the portal. Four-star defensive line recruit Amaris Williams — who flipped his pledge from Florida to Auburn on the Dec. 20 National Signing Day — is already on campus. Williams played mostly as an edge defender in high school but was signed as a defensive lineman.

Three-star defensive lineman Malik Blocton is on campus as well. Blocton is Harris’ younger brother.

Jayson Jones, who began the year as the starter alongside Harris on the defensive line, announced he plans to return for the 2024 season.

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