Coming into the 2006 season, Auburn Tigers running back Kenny Irons was a Heisman Trophy candidate. The majority of the hype was based on a 2005 performance -- his first in an Auburn uniform -- where he rushed for 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns. The rest, of course, hinged on the fact that the Tigers have tended toward a dominant offensive line in the past, particularly when it comes to run blocking.

Things started off on the right foot in the first game of the season when Kenny Irons torched Washington State for 183 yards rushing and a touchdown. However, things fell off soon after that. And though Kenny Irons' performance against LSU was one of the better sub-100-yard shows put on by a running back in 2006, he did battle ankle and toe injuries all season. Thus, his final numbers didn't approach expectations (only 821 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season).

Of course, the offensive line wasn't as consistent as those in the past, and quarterback Brandon Cox's injuries also had a detrimental effect on Kenny Irons' stats. That said, Kenny Irons' draft status is hard to figure simply because the injury issues this past season combined with smallish size (5-foot-11, 203 pounds) have NFL teams worried about his durability.

That's never a good thing for a player to hear on the doorstep of being drafted into the NFL, obviously.

Still, Kenny Irons ran the 40 in 4.45 seconds at the NFL Combine. Only four tailbacks eligible for the draft ran it faster. Further, on Auburn's Pro Day he pumped out 225 pounds on the bench press 17 times, which isn't bad for someone his size. Beyond that, Kenny Irons has always exhibited great burst on the football field, nice vision, excellent instincts, and power beyond his size. Will that be enough to convince NFL scouts and general managers to overlook Kenny Irons' injuries, lack of size, and a lack of pass-catching opportunities at the collegiate level and take him in the first round?

Probably not.

Figure on Kenny Irons going in the second round. That said, Auburn backs and their past successes in the NFL shouldn't be discounted. If Kenny Irons does stay healthy there, he will be a good one.

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