Of the 11 players scheduled to represent the University of Alabama at the NFL Scouting Combine this week, three are dealing with injuries and will be limited.
Per reports from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, safety Deionte Thompson will not work out – due to having surgery on his wrist and his recovery time is six to eight weeks.
Running back Josh Jacobs (groin) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (finger) have decided to not participate in certain drills, in order to not have any further setbacks.
RELATED: Former Tide safety Deionte Thompson to not participate at NFL Combine
For Williams, he projects as a top-five selection.
The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder needed one season under Nick Saban to show the National Football League his capabilities.
Hailing from Birmingham, Ala., the former four-star led the Crimson Tide in both tackles for loss (19.5) and quarterback pressures (12) while totaling 71 stops and eight sacks in 2018. He dominated opposing offensive linemen and bullied his way to receiving honors as a unanimous All-American and Outland Trophy winner.
Williams guided Alabama’s defense to a Southeastern Conference championship and an Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma. According to Rapoport, he will not do the bench press at the Combine.
#Bama DT Quinnen Williams will sit out the bench press thanks to a finger injury that’ll require surgery after the Combine. pic.twitter.com/3IH3kbX1ZU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2019
Williams’ finger will require surgery; however, he should be good to go by rookie minicamp as he intends to take over at the next level. With the defensive line group arriving on Thursday and getting measurements taken on Friday, it will be interesting to see how he stacks up.
Williams’ competition will include Isaiah Buggs of Alabama, Christian Wilkins of Clemson, Dexter Lawrence of Clemson, Ed Oliver of Houston, Rashan Gary of Michigan and Jeffery Simmons of Mississippi State.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
