Nick Saban signed an outside linebacker room stacked with five-star talent from 2020 to 2022, but people did not realize how good Alabama had it in that room until the NFL Draft.
Will Anderson Jr., Chris Braswell, and Dallas Turner are now in the National Football League.
Anderson became the No. 3 selection in the 2023 draft by the Houston Texans. He arrived to the University of Alabama as a five-star from Georgia in the 2020 signing class, assisting the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman. Anderson won NFL’s Defensive Rookie of Year and made the Pro Bowl. He helped the Texans to the playoffs — producing seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
His success was special, but Anderson put it to the side after seeing his two brothers from the Tide get drafted.
RELATED: Former Heisman Trophy winner says Saints got a ‘real one’ with drafting Kool-Aid McKinstry
Turner, a 2023 Consensus All-American at Alabama, was selected at No. 17 overall by the Minnesota Vikings. Braswell, who finished last season with 10.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, five quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, a blocked field goal, a pass breakup, and an interception returned for a touchdown, got picked at No. 57 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Anderson took to social media lavishing his joy on Turner and Braswell.
Alabama’s “cheetah package” is in the NFL.
*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 senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
