Dee Ford Gus Malzahn

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn recognizes Auburn defensive end Dee Ford (30) during Senior Day Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, before the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Former Auburn defensive end Dee Ford's back is said to be OK as he prepares to participate in the Tigers' pro day next week.

Ford was medically scratched Monday from the NFL Combine after doctors discovered an issue stemming from a back surgery he had in 2011. The issue was not serious.

Auburn's pro day is Tuesday.

"He'll do everything and he's had no limitations the entire time we've been here, and there's no doubt in my mind he will perform well," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Friday.

Ford played in 2012 and 2013 without any issues, save for a knee injury that kept him out of the first two games last season.

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Ford is projected to be a late selection in the first round or early second round by analysts, but his draft stock is up in the air after the combine. Ford hinted Sunday he could run the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds.



Ford impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl in January. He had several productive practices and was named the Defensive MVP for his two-sack performance in the game.

Another good performance at Auburn's pro day could lift him into the first round of the NFL Draft, which begins May 8.

"Personally, I do (believe he is a first-round talent)," Malzahn said. "He's an impact player. There's not a whole lot of impact players out there and he can change a game."

Ford provided the game-ending hits on quarterbacks Johnny Manziel and Aaron Murray in dramatic victories against Texas A&M and Georgia, respectively, and had 10.5 sacks last season, finishing second in the SEC behind Missouri's Michael Sam.