Nick Saban had his most players taken in the first round of an NFL Draft (six) for Alabama in 2021.
He saw two players come off the board in the first round of this year’s draft, but the 2023 venue could see the Crimson Tide position double-digit guys in the draft. Offensively, names such as Bryce Young, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jermaine Burton, Tyler Harrell, Tyler Steen, Javion Cohen, Emil Ekiyor, and Cameron Latu have a chance to go first round.
RELATED: Is Nick Saban out of touch with today’s top recruiting prospects?
Defensively, names like Will Anderson, Henry To’oto’o, Byron Young, Eli Ricks, Khyree Jackson, Jordan Battle, DeMarcco Hellams, and Brian Branch could wind up in the first round. Alabama could place at least 10 names in the first round.
The projections for offense and defense are below.
Offense
Bryce Young
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jermaine Burton
Tyler Harrell
Cameron Latu
Tyler Steen
Javion Cohen
Summary: Bryce Young is the lone given first-round lock for the Crimson Tide.
He is expected to be the No. 1 quarterback and No. 1 overall pick taken in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young set single-season school records for passing yards (4,872), touchdown passes (47), and total touchdowns (50) in 2021. He guided Alabama to an SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. Young and C.J. Stroud of Ohio State will be neck-and-neck to be the top signal-caller taken. If he produces another marquee season and leads the Tide to a national title, Young will be the first one taken.
RELATED: Alabama fans react to losing in-state five-star Peter Woods to Clemson
Jahmyr Gibbs, Jermaine Burton, Tyler Harrell, Cameron Latu, and Javion Cohen are all potential first-rounders on offense.
Gibbs brings incredible speed, explosiveness, versatility, and playmaking skills at running back.
He fits the mold of today’s back in the National Football League. Burton and Harrell could become the best wide receiver duo in the nation this fall. Both provide hands, speed, routes, and can create separation from defensive backs. Alabama had Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith got selected in the first round of the 2021 draft. Cameron Latu recorded eight touchdowns in 2021 as a tight end, but he could have finished with more.
If he can improve his speed and hold on to more passes in the red zone, Latu can be a first-rounder. Tyler Steen and Cohen are two offensive linemen pro scouts will look at as possible first-rounders. Steen, a transfer from Vanderbilt, has started 33 career games at offensive tackle. He is projected to be Alabama’s starter at left tackle while Cohen returns as the starting left guard.
Defense
Will Anderson Jr.
Henry To’oto’o
Byron Young
Eli Ricks
Jordan Battle
DeMarcco Hellams
Brian Branch
Summary: Will Anderson is expected to go in the top 10 of the NFL Draft.
An effective edge rusher is the third most important position in the league after quarterback and left tackle. Anderson impressed as a freshman and took a massive leap last year. If he duplicates his numbers from 2021, he may win the Heisman Trophy.
RELATED: Alabama LB Henry To’oto’o putting in offseason work for monster senior season
Anderson will compete with Young to be the first player taken in the draft.
Jordan Battle, a senior, returns as arguably the best safety in college football. He recorded three interceptions (tied for team lead), three pass breakups, and 87 tackles in 2021, but he came back to be a better leader. A strong season from Battle will land him as a top-15 to top-20 pick for the draft. Henry To’oto’o, Byron Young, Eli Ricks, DeMarcco Hellams, and Brian Branch can be first-round picks. To’oto’o, Hellams, and Branch must be consistent in their performances throughout the fall.
Young has to dominate as a starter on the defensive line, and Ricks has to earn a starting job at cornerback and produce. Khyree Jackson is another name to consider in the conversation. As a former junior college player, he got experience in the secondary last year. If he puts in strong numbers, there is a chance for him in the first round. Georgia had 15 players taken in this recent NFL Draft, including five in the first round. Alabama could surpass that number for 2023 if all draft-eligible players perform well.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
