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Alabama in the Pros

Three former Tide players to emerge in second NFL season, according to Pro Football Focus

Henry Ruggs celebrates a touchdown catch against the Jets
Vincent Carchietta - USA TODAY Sports

The 2020 NFL Draft had four players from the University of Alabama taken in the first round.

Tua Tagovailoa, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, and Jedrick Wills all had good rookie seasons. Tagovailoa was 6-3 as a starting quarterback for Miami, Jeudy totaled 800+ receiving yards with the Broncos, Ruggs caught a game-winning touchdown for the Raiders, and Wills helped the Browns to the playoffs. Despite the success, all four know they are capable of doing more.

Each one is preparing to have a better sophomore year. According to Pro Football Focus, the website has listed 10 players to emerge as breakout candidates in year two. Three of the players are Crimson Tide alums, as Jeudy, Wills, and Ruggs were named.

Jeudy and Teddy Bridgewater have awesome chemistry. Should the veteran quarterback win the starting job over Drew Lock, Jeudy could have a 1,000-yard season. Wills allowed Baker Mayfield to have 3,563 passing yards with 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions. Mayfield was sacked 26 times; however, Wills is set to make sure the number decreases in the fall.

RELATED: Alabama’s Josh Jobe enters this fall as one of the SEC’s best cornerbacks

As for Ruggs, he is building a connection with Derek Carr. The Las Vegas Raiders will know how to use him more.

Crimson Tide fans are excited to see all three leap toward success.

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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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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