Dalvin Tomlinson is someone that every Alabama fan wants to see respected throughout the NFL Draft process. After losing both parents to death prior to college and suffering two anterior cruciate ligament (knee) injuries, the Georgia native emerged as a valued starter on the Crimson Tide’s front line.
He joined former teammates Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson for Sunday’s on-field workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium and held his own at each station. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive tackle turned in a 40-time of 5.19 seconds, while his long arms — 33 ½”– came in handy during the broad jump.
Tomlinson maintained balance and generated a strong push, which enabled a 9’2″ attempt—a difference of two inches between he and Allen (9’0″). He did not have jaw-dropping speed in the 3-cone drill (7.36 seconds) or 20-yard shuttle (4.59 seconds), but quickness is not his game. Tomlinson is an exceptional two-gap defender against the run, who can pressure the quarterback when needed. He returned with a huge senior year in 2016, totaling 62 tackles, three sacks, seven quarterback hurries and four pass breakups (10 career) in 15 games.
Per NFL.com, Tomlinson projects as a backup or eventual starter with a grade of 5.64.
With his pro day scheduled for Wednesday, he intends to improve to a second-round pick.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
