One of the most important factors, when NFL front office evaluate players in the draft, is the status of their health. Unfortunately for Alabama receiver John Metchie, health was something that was working against him throughout the draft process.
Metchie suffered a torn ACL during the SEC Championship Game against Georgia this past season which sidelined him for the remainder of the season and forced him to spend a majority of the offseason rehabbing.
Following his injury, Metchie was valued as a second-round selection by most draft analysts but shortly after he was sidelined, his positioning in the draft came into question.
But according to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, who spoke with a number of NFL front office executives, reported that Metchie isn’t expected to still be available following the second round which is where he was slated ahead of his injury.
“Talked to multiple front office execs who believe John Metchie, the other Alabama receiver coming off a torn ACL, won’t make it out of the 2nd round,” Giardi shared in a tweet. “Saban’s love for Metchie knows no bounds. Belief is Metchie will be able to contribute at some point this season.”
Talked to multiple front office execs who believe John Metchie, the other Alabama receiver coming off a torn ACL, won't make it out of the 2nd round. Saban's love for Metchie knows no bounds. Belief is Metchie will be able to contribute at some point this season.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 25, 2022
Prior to his injury, Metchie was in the midst of a career year for the Crimson Tide where he caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns during his junior season.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77