Alabama’s defensive secondary got burned a few times in 2022, including against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.
The Crimson Tide gave up big plays on the backend, but was it due to poor execution or poor coaching?
RELATED: Bryce Young’s official height and weight revealed at NFL Combine
Four defensive backs for the Tide declared for the NFL Draft and three participated in the Scouting Combine.
Brian Branch, Jordan Battle, and DeMarcco Hellams performed well, showing burst, explosiveness, solid footwork, good hips, and fluidity through workouts. Branch, who is getting compared to former Tide standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, clocked 4.58 seconds in the 40-yard dash and showed explosiveness with a 34.5″ vertical and 10’5″ broad jump. He also got 14 reps (225 pounds) on the bench press. Battle is not known for speed; however, he clocked a strong time of 4.55 seconds in the 40 at 210 pounds. He got 17 reps on the bench press and looked very smooth in the gauntlet drill. Hellams turned in a 4.57 40-time, 31″ vertical, and 10’1″ broad jump. All three tested well in areas to enhance their draft status. Did the competition get the better of them in the 2022 regular season or did Pete Golding and Charles Kelly not put them in situations to succeed?
Alabama SAF Brian Branch with the 4.58 40 yard dash @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/HVduX69pNy
— Coach K | Keith Sanchez (@TheTalentCode) March 3, 2023
.@AlabamaFTBL DB Jordan Battle with a solid 4.56u to kick off Group 5.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/mrnVu5oHck— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2023
DB – 0️⃣6️⃣@BrianBB_1
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/H1yHOgjLlk
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) March 3, 2023
We will never know the answer, but Branch, Battle, and Hellams showed up at Indianapolis to work.
Branch projects as the best prospect and first-round pick of the trio. All three can ball, and it will be interesting to see where they land in the upcoming draft.
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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.
