Day 3 for the 2014 NFL Draft is now upon us. Three former University of Alabama players are already off of the boards with more expected later today as more rounds are completed. During the first round, C.J. Mosley and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens respectively. Cyrus Kouandjio came off of the boards during the second round to the Buffalo Bills. From all accounts and projections, today should be a busy day for the Tide players and Tide fans that are tuned in for the festivities.
Bama Players Still On The Board
- QB AJ McCarron
- WR Kevin Norwood
- LB Adrian Hubbard
- DE Jeoffrey Pagan
- DE Ed Stinson
- OL Anthony Steen
- WR Kenny Bell
- S Vinnie Sunseri
- P Cody Mandell
The next rounds for the NFL Draft will start later today at 11AM Central time. Former Bama quarterback AJ McCarron should come off of the boards pretty early as well as wide receiver Kevin Norwood. Many analysts had McCarron going possibly late second in to the third round last night but no one picked it up. McCarron remained quiet on social media throughout but his brother Corey had some things to say to those that didn’t pick his brother up.
These teams are passing on the best QB in the draft!!! They're saying the same thing about AJ they said ab Tom Brady!!
— Corey McCarron (@CoreyMcCarron47) May 10, 2014
They aint doing nothing but lighting a fire and motivation in a born winner!There gonna look back on this day with regret like they did Tom
— Corey McCarron (@CoreyMcCarron47) May 10, 2014
NFL.com’s Gil Brandt has McCarron in his top 5 best players left on the board at number 3, the second quarterback behind Tom Savage of Pittsburgh. The notes on McCarron are that he has good anticipation and timing. The weaknesses that people have seen are lack of a big, vertical arm. They also added that he heaves the deep ball, sometime forcing his receivers to make unnecessary adjustments. Mr.Clutch Kevin Norwood is also there for someone’s taking. He is described as dependable, trustworthy, and accountable. Analysts say that Norwood as a solid build and has good hands that will extend out of his range to make a great catch. They also believe he will develop into a great 3rd down route runner. In my opinion, someone will get a steal with Norwood because I get the feeling he will be a good receiver in the NFL.
Jeoffrey Pagan, Adrian Hubbard and Vinnie Sunseri each left Alabama a year early for the draft. Pagan and Hubbard are expected to go sometime tomorrow, possibly in the 4th according to NFL.com. Hubbard was pretty active last night on Twitter.
I respect my fans but dont disrespect that I left college to pursue a dream i was ready to take advantage of.
— Geronimo Sparks🏁 (@Geronimo_Sparks) May 10, 2014
Stack the chips on my shoulder
— Geronimo Sparks🏁 (@Geronimo_Sparks) May 10, 2014
Prepared for the worst,but im coming.Nobody want to get drafted late,but hell thats where the diamonds at because they cut different.
— Geronimo Sparks🏁 (@Geronimo_Sparks) May 10, 2014
Nobody wants to fail,and I believe in adversity.I will see the throne
— Geronimo Sparks🏁 (@Geronimo_Sparks) May 10, 2014
Pagan is listed as having good size and one that can occupy blocks and squeeze running lanes. They also mention him playing different techniques in a pro style hybrid defensive scheme. His weaknesses are getting blown off of the ball on a double team. Also a limited pass rush value. Hubbard has listed his athleticism as a plus with the ability push plays to the sidelines. He is strong enough to set the edge, shed and defend the run. In their opinion, he lacks speed, burst and explosion. Also added that his football extincts are still developing.
Ed Stinson is another former Tide player that is projected to go in the 4th round. He is listed as having outstanding strength at the point of attack. Also mentions his ability and stoutness to be able to push opposing lines back to the quarterback. Weaknesses for Stinson include average foot speed with limited burst to reach the outside.
Anthony Steen will enter today with draft projection of rounds 4-5. Steen is a reliable pass protector and an efficient run blocker. Steen gets to the second level quickly and can seal and wall off linebackers and safeties. Steen dominated LSU’s Anthony Johnson.
The remaining 3 are expected to go from anywhere in round 6 or a few could stretch into free agency. Deion Belue and Vinnie Sunseri both have the better projections with Cody Mandell’s being round 7-free agency. Sunseri declared early for the draft and most thought that he wasn’t ready and could have really benefited from another year of college ball. Sunseri does read plays and react quickly. He drops downhill to support the run and is experienced in deep zone coverage. He does lack that elite top end speed. Sunseri also has difficulties in man coverage and struggles to match up with slot receivers. He does have that big play opportunity though. When he was at The Capstone and he could make a play for the ball, he did and usually was successful at it. Cornerback Deion Belue moves fluidly. He displays good read and react skills and also has experience as a jammer on special teams. Cody Mandell is a hardworking former walk-on has shown improvement every season and has the leg strength, focus and precision to become a field-flipping weapon in the pros.
It should be a pretty exciting day for most of these guys and the fans of the Tide. Sure, they all have things they need to work on. Don’t we all? If they have the drive and the determination and take the constructive criticism and work to improve those areas, there is no reason these guys can’t have a great football career. Some of the NFL’s most productive and better players were drafted late. Getting drafted is one thing but what you do after you are given the chance is a whole other ball game. I just hope all of the Tide players that have been selected have that motivation so that we can see some or all of them playing on Sundays.
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