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The Alabama Crimson Tide have been a powerhouse in the NCAA and in the NFL Draft over the last decade. Head coach Nick Saban has a knack for developing young men into prolific players, but also into NFL-ready prospects.
Alabama has been a prospect-motherload for NFL since 2000
Alabama has had the sixth-most players drafted into the NFL with 384, behind Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Michigan. But since 2000, the Crimson Tide have the second-most with 127, only behind Ohio State. They are also tied with the Buckeyes for the most first-round picks with 31.
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Nick Saban isn't known for supplying the pros with quality starting quarterbacks until recently with Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. The NFL has found gems from this program, including Trevon Diggs, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ryan Kelly, Derrick Henry and Amari Cooper (just to name a few).
The Crimson Tide lost the National Championship this past season and are slated to draft a large portion of their wide receivers and defensive starters to the NFL. The school could have around a dozen players drafted in 2022. Here are the top five players to keep an eye on.
Top 5 Alabama 2022 NFL Draft Prospects (#1-#3)
#1 - OL Evan Neal
The Crimson Tide haven't had a player taken with the first overall pick, but Evan Neal seems to be inching his way there.
Neal is an all-around beast on the offensive line with pass protection and an ability to open up the run, which is why running back Brian Robinson Jr. had a good season in 2021. He primarily plays tackle and could be a blindside blocker for Trevor Lawrence if the Jacksonville Jaguars take him with the No. 1 pick.
#2 - LB Christian Harris
Christian Harris should be Alabama's first defensive player taken in the first round.
Harris has been a leader on Alabama's defense since 2019 and plays with great technique and style. Against the run, he has a slight issue with body control and changing direction in a split-second. He makes up for it by being great in zone coverage and shutting down the middle of the field. Many see him as a clear-cut "MIKE" linebacker in the NFL, and a team like the New England Patriots could snatch him as a long-time starter.
#3 - WR Jameson Williams
It could be argued that Jameson Williams is Alabama's top prospect for the draft. The issue is that he tore his ACL during the national championship game against Georgia, hurting his draft value a bit. Luckily, he broke out in 2021 with 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, which will keep him as a first-round pick.
After two seasons with less than 10 catches in each, Williams became Alabama's top receiver. He can manipulate defenses to get himself open, and his speed is on another level. He has every skill the NFL wants from its receivers except the ability to battle physical defenders. That should develop over time as he works with NFL-level strength coaches.
Top 5 Alabama 2022 NFL Draft Prospects (#4 and #5)
#4 - DL Phidarian Mathis
Phidarian Mathis really helped his draft stock during his senior year at Alabama. He had his first sack in 2020, with 1.5 on the season. In 2021, he racked up nine sacks, 53 tackles, and a forced fumble.
Mathis has grown into one of the most promising defensive linemen in the draft class. He can play anywhere on the line and be a long-time anchor for any NFL team. Being a pass-rusher isn't his strongest area, but he can work the edge against the run well.
He will likely be turned into a run defender as a 0-tech or 3-tech player and should thrive in that position. Scouts have him as a second-round talent who can start as a rookie.
#5 - WR John Metchie lll
John Metchie III saw his role with Alamaba open up in 2021 after Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith were drafted. He was on his way to being a potential first-round selection after a career-high 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. Sadly, Metchie tore his ACL in the SEC Championship game and destroyed his stock as a Day 1 pick.
Metchie is still a top prospect and should rebound from his injury and have a fruitful career. His best trait is getting yards after the catch with exceptional speed and change of direction. Metchie is very similar to Tyreek Hill but with inferior ball skills, which is something that can be coached up.
Alabama is known to churn out great wide receivers, and one NFL team will get a quality starter once he's healed. He likely won't fall out of the second round.
