The 2017 NFL Draft is scheduled for next week, and a lot of dreams are about to come true for many college football players. For Dalvin Tomlinson, in particular, the former Alabama defensive tackle could be the steal of the draft.
Tomlinson has the intelligence, work ethic and the will to win.
Per CBS Sports, he’s projected to be taken in the second or third round, but Tomlinson was a key part of Alabama’s defensive line during his tenure. The 310-pounder out of McDonough, Ga., may not have been a Johnathan Allen, Terrence Cody or Courtney Upshaw, but Tomlinson’s quickness and consistency play on the snap of the ball made life easier for the “ends” playing beside him. He freed up multiple teammates in one-on-one matchups during pressure situations, while showcasing the ability to disrupt plays himself.
At the NFL Combine, Tomlinson posted an impressive (5.19) 40-time and had a 27″ vertical.
He may not have mind-blowing stats like his former teammates, but his 62 tackles and three sacks a season ago does show NFL scouts that he can adjust to any system. Prior to 2016, Tomlinson endured two serious knee surgeries, but it did not stop him from being a productive leader in the Tide’s rotation.
Other than having the necessary skill set to succeed as a football player, one thing that’ll stand out to coaches (if they don’t already know) is how ambitious Tomlinson is outside of sports. He’s obtained two degrees from Alabama and wants to go into finance. Tomlinson probably could have chosen Harvard or Stanford; however, he decided to attend the University of Alabama out of high school.
Nick Saban knows whoever drafts Tomlinson will get someone who can relight a candle when times get tough during the season, as well as an individual who will make an impact on and off the field immediately.
Michael Cannady is an intern for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter at: @mike_can21
