We are now in NFL Draft season.
Since 2009, Nick Saban has graduated 106 players from the University of Alabama to the draft. He has groomed 39 first-round selections, including six last year. The Crimson Tide will put a fresh crop of talent in the National Football League, including six draft-eligible juniors that have declared. Daniel Jeremiah, a draft expert for NFL Network, released his first mock draft on Saturday.
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He has Evan Neal (offensive tackle) and Jameson Williams (wide receiver) in the first round for the Tide.
Neal projects as the No. 1 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence needs protection as a franchise quarterback, and Neal served as one of college football’s elite linemen. The 6-foot-7, 350-pounder earned permanent team captain honors from his peers in 2021 and Consensus All-American honors. Neal’s impressive size, footwork, technique, and hands made him a force at the left tackle position for two years. He brings freakish athleticism and will help the growth of Lawrence in year two.
Williams projects as a late first-rounder at No. 30 overall.
He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to his knee in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game versus Georgia. The injury might cause him to slide in the draft, but the Kansas City Chiefs have the pick at No. 30. Kansas City has unbelievable speed with Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman. If it adds Williams, Patrick Mahomes’ smile grows more.
Williams averaged 19.9 yards per catch in 2021 for Alabama. He totaled 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns.
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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.
