Now that the NFL draft order for non-playoff teams has been determined, it’s easier to see where Alabama’s former stars might end up at the next level. To get a feel for where the Crimson Tide players are projected to land in April, Tide Illustrated has compiled a list of eight major mock drafts.
In total, six members of last year’s team saw their names included in the first round of at least one mock draft. All but one of the mock drafts used had either edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. or quarterback Bryce Young projected as the No. 1 overall pick. The last time an Alabama player was selected with the first pick of the NFL draft was in 1948 when Washington took Harry Gilmer.
Who we used: Athlon Sports (Bryan Fischer, Jan. 17), Draft Wire (Luke Easterling), Pro Football Network (Ian Cummings), Sports Illustrated (staff), Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer), The Athletic (Dane Brugler), The Draft Network (Keith Sanchez), Yahoo Sports (Charles McDonald).
Will Anderson Jr., edge rusher
If Chicago ends up keeping the No. 1 overall pick, Anderson has a chance of being the first player off the board. The Bears already have a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields and will either package the first overall pick for a stack of assets or take a player that fills one of its many needs. Chicago was tied for last in the NFL averaging 1.2 sacks per game last season. Anderson would provide an instant improvement on the Bears' pass rushing and is someone who could be a defensive cornerstone for years to come.
If Chicago elects to trade the pick, it's hard to imagine Anderson falling past Arizona at No. 3 overall. The Cardinals are losing three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt to retirement. Anderson would be an instant replacement for the future Hall of Famer.
Athlon Sports: No. 1 overall (Round 1), Chicago Bears
Draft Wire: No. 1 overall (Round 1), Chicago Bears
Pro Football Network: No. 3 overall (Round 1), Arizona Cardinals
Sports Illustrated: No. 3 overall (Round 1), Arizona Cardinals
Sporting News: No. 1 overall (Round 1), Chicago Bears
The Athletic: No. 3 overall (Round 1), Arizona Cardinals
The Draft Network: No. 6 overall (Round 1), Detroit Lions
Yahoo Sports: No. 1 overall (Round 1), Chicago Bears
Bryce Young, quarterback
Just because Chicago already has a quarterback doesn’t mean Young can’t go first overall. The Bears need a lot of help and could easily be enticed to swap the top selection for more picks.
Indianapolis appears to be an ideal trade partner as the Colts need a starting quarterback while the Bears could still likely land either Anderson or Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter at No. 4 overall. If such a trade occurs, Young would compete with Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Kentucky’s Will Levis to be the first player off the board.
The Alabama quarterback’s size could be seen as an issue at the next level. However, his playmaking ability over the past two years should be enough to put concerned teams at ease.
Athlon Sports: No. 4 overall (Round 1), Indianapolis Colts
Draft Wire: No. 2 overall (Round 1), Houston Texans
Pro Football Network: No. 5 overall (Round 1), Carolina Panthers
Sports Illustrated: No. 1 overall (Round 1), Indianapolis Colts (Projected trade)
Sporting News: No. 2 overall (Round 1), Houston Texans
The Athletic: No. 1 overall (Round 1), Indianapolis Colts (Projected trade)
The Draft Network: No. 1 overall (Round 1), Las Vegas Raiders (Projected trade)
Yahoo Sports: No. 6 overall (Round 1), Detroit Lions
Brian Branch, defensive back
Anderson and Young will almost certainly be top-five picks, but Branch serves as more of a wildcard. The versatile defensive back has been one of the unsung heroes of Alabama's defense the past two seasons. He likely secured first-round status with an excellent performance in the Sugar Bowl where he tallied 12 stops, including four tackles for a loss and a sack.
The New York Jets are Branch’s most popular projection. The Jets already have two solid outside cornerbacks in Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and D.J. Reed. Adding Branch to the mix would give them one of the best secondaries in the league.
Athlon Sports: No. 12 overall (Round 1), Houston Texans
Draft Wire: No. 18 overall (Round 1), Detroit Lions
Pro Football Network: No. 13 overall (Round 1), New York Jets
Sports Illustrated: No. 30 overall (Round 1), Buffalo Bills
The Athletic: No. 13 overall (Round 1), New York Jets
The Draft Network: No. 13 overall (Round 1), New York Jets
Yahoo Sports: No. 13 overall (Round 1), New York Jets
Jahmyr Gibbs, running back
If the draft was solely based on talent, Jahmyr Gibbs would be a lock to land in the first round. However, due to the lack of value placed on the running back position, the do-it-all playmaker might need to wait until Day 2 to hear his name called.
Gibbs has been compared to five-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara due to his explosive running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Last season, the Georgia Tech transfer averaged 6.13 yards per carry, running for a team-high 926 yards and seven touchdowns. He also pulled in 44 receptions for 444 yards and three scores through the air while averaging 19.85 yards on 13 kickoff returns.
Gibbs could be the missing piece to an already championship-level offense. Put him on a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs, and his potential is limitless.
Draft Wire: No. 31 overall (Round 1), Philadelphia Eagles
The Athletic: No. 39 overall (Round 2), Carolina Panthers
The Draft Network: No. 31 overall (Round 1), Kansas City Chiefs
Henry To’oTo’o, linebacker
While Sports Illustrated has To’oTo’o projected at No. 18 overall to the Detroit Lions, Alabama’s signal-caller on defense will likely have to wait a bit longer to hear his name called in the draft.
It’s probably too optimistic to project To’oTo’o as a Day 1 selection, but the 6-foot-2, 228-pound linebacker has the athleticism teams like at the next level. He’s also been productive in his college career, recording a combined 354 tackles, including 31 stops for a loss and eight sacks over four seasons.
Sports Illustrated: No. 18 overall (Round 1), Detroit Lions
The Draft Network: No. 50 overall (Round 2), Pittsburgh Steelers
Jordan Battle, safety
Like To’oTo’o, Battle will probably have to wait until Day 2 to hear his name called. However, the playmaking safety could entice a team to select him earlier than expected if he can put together a solid performance at the NFL Combine.
Battle, 6-foot, 193 pounds, is a long, physical safety with a nose for the football. Over four seasons at Alabama, he recorded six interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns.
The Draft Network: No. 32 overall (Round 1), Philadelphia Eagles
