The All-Saban NFL Squad
Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is shown next to Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Brandon Ivory (99) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Bradley Sylve (3) on the sideline in the third quarter of their game against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that Nick Saban is the cream of the crop when it comes to getting guys to the NFL. Since Saban arrived in 2007 the Crimson Tide have had 48(!!!) players drafted and countless others signed as un-drafted free agents. That’s pure lunacy.
When I’m glued to NFL Red Zone in the fall and see some of these Alabama products pop up I always wonder what an All Alabama team of Saban guys would look like. So I’ve set out to create that team. For the purposes of this exercise each player must have played in an NFL game and executed a meaningful stat. Therefore there won’t be any rookies on the team, and guys like AJ McCarron who haven’t logged any game action yet won’t be eligible either. Sorry AJ!
A few other rules here; this is not based on what these guys did in college but rather what they’ve done and are doing in the NFL. So you’re probably not going to see the Trent Richardson’s of the world on here. Saban didn’t have to recruit these guys, as long as they played under him at Alabama they’ll be eligible. There will be a starting 11 on offense and defense, and the defense will be based on a 3-4 scheme. All numbers and stats come from www.pro-football-reference.com.
So without further adieu; here is the All-Alabama Saban-Coached NFL Team:
Offense:
QB – Greg McElroy (New York Jets): As most of you know, Greg has retired from the NFL and now does great work for the SEC Network. However, McElroy is the only Alabama QB under Saban to log any meaningful time in the NFL. He came on in relief for the Jets against the Cardinals in 2012 to lead a game winning TD drive; which earned him a start in the next game against the Chargers. McElroy lost his only start going 14 for 24 with 185 yards and 1 interception.
RB1 – Eddie Lacy (Green Bay Packers): Lacy was the easy choice for RB1 here as he has been the most successful of the Bama running backs thus far in the NFL. Lacy was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2013. He followed that up with a great 2014 in which he rushed for 1139 yards and 9 touchdowns. Many fantasy football boards have Lacy as their top rated player for 2015; not too shabby.
RB2 – Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints): It looks like Ingram is finally starting to get back in the form that helped him claim the 2009 Heisman trophy. He had career highs in yards (964) and touchdowns (9) last year as the Saints finally gave him a chance to be their feature back.
Julio Jones has solidified himself as a top NFL Wide Receiver. Easily securing his spot on the All-Saban Squad. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
WR1 – Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons): This may have been the most obvious choice on the whole team. Jones; much like Ingram, had himself a career year last year as well. He had his first 100 reception season (104) and tallied 1593 yards through the air. Julio was also voted to the Pro Bowl and solidified himself as one of the top 5 receivers in the NFL.
WR2 – Kevin Norwood (Seattle Seahawks): I think little to choose from might be an understatement here. Norwood saw limited action in his first year in Seattle as he registered 9 catches for 102 yards. Although I do like where Norwood is headed, something tells me he might not be on this list next year (looking at you Mr. Cooper).
TE – Brad Smelley (Cleveland Browns/Houston Texans/St. Louis Rams): Smelley is the only tight end to qualify for our team in the Saban era. He’s played in 4 games catching 1 pass with the Browns in 2012 for 3 yards. Smelley spent parts of last year on the Rams practice squad and will look to make an impact in 2015.
LT – Andre Smith (Cincinnati Bengals): Although Andre has played mostly RT for the Bengals he’s going to have to shift to the left side for our squad. He got the nod to move to the left based on NFL experience over D.J. Fluker. Smith hasn’t been what some thought he’d be when he was taken 6th overall, but he’s been an above average NFL tackle which is nothing to scoff at.
LG – James Carpenter (Seattle Seahawks/New York Jets): Carpenter was signed this off-season by the Jets, ending his tenure with the Seahawks. Carpenter has started 39 games so far and earned a Super Bowl ring with the Seahawks in 2013.
C – Antoine Caldwell (Houston Texans): Caldwell is currently a free agent but he does have some NFL service to his credit. From 2009 – 2012 he started 19 games with the Texans, at center and at right guard.
RG – Chance Warmack (Tennessee Titans): Warmack is currently the starting right guard for the Titans and was one of their better lineman last year. He’s started all 32 games for the Titans since being drafted 10th overall in 2013.
RT – D.J. Fluker (San Diego Chargers): Fluker; who was drafted 1 spot behind Warmack in 2013 has started 31 games so far in his NFL career. He has been a standout on the Chargers O-Line and he looks to build on that success even more in 2015.
