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Alabama Football: 2017 NFL Mock Draft Projection

By Ronald Evans

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) hits Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Trevor Knight (8) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) hits Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Trevor Knight (8) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

The Alabama Crimson Tide 2017 NFL Mock Draft

First Round Locks

An important disclaimer is required: “Locks” is not be taken literally. There are no draft guarantees outside those few occasions when the No. 1 pick is confirmed by a team in advance. A more accurate label would be highly probable.

Based on the Draft Tracker ratings published by nfl.com Jonathan Allen is the top rated Tide player in the draft. The only clear negative when considering Allan is arthritis related shoulder problems that may shorten his NFL career.

Without the shoulder ailment, a strong argument came be made that Allen deserves to be the first pick in the draft.

There are more NFL draft soothsayers than any other subset of prognosticators in the world of sports. Pick your poison – it is hard to understand how some of them are gainfully employed. Don’t wager money on any of their picks.

One exception is Mike Mayock. Mayock is a primary analyst for the NFL Network. He also played in the NFL for four seasons. Maycok tracks the top five players at thirteen positional groups: QB, RB; WR; TE; OT; Interior OL; Interior DL; Edge Rusher; LB; CB; Nickel Back; S; and a category called Special Exceptions that lists the top injured players. Read his latest breakdown here nfl.com.

Mayock has  Jonathan Allen listed as the No. 1 interior defensive lineman in the draft. A sampling of mock drafts have Allen going from as high as No. 4 to as low as No. 10 in the first round.

If Allen goes No. 4 he will be the first Alabama player selected in the first round.

Alabama. Jonathan Allen. 1. player. 52. Jacksonville Selects Jonathan Allen with the No. 4 pick in the First Round. Defensive Line

If ever there was a prototypical NFL tight end, it is O.J. Howard. Despite the subdued stats from his Crimson Tide career, NFL scouts as a group are very bullish on Howard’s NFL potential.

Mayock has Howard listed as the top tight end in the draft. Our mock draft sample has Howard going as high as No. 5 and as low as No. 19 in the first round. If he is chosen at No. 5, that will likely make him the No. 2 Alabama player selected in the draft.

35. Tennessee Titans Select O.J. Howard with the No. 5 Pick in the First Round. Tight End. Alabama. O.J. Howard. 2. player

Notwithstanding a brief lapse of composure at the NFL combine, Reuben Foster is a highly valued inside linebacker. Foster has the physical talents to step into a starting role as a rookie.

Mayock has Foster rated as the No. 1 linebacker in the draft. Our mock draft sample has Foster going as high as No. 9 and as low as No. 15 in the first round. If he is chosen at No. 9, that will likely make him the No. 3 Alabama player selected in the draft.

Alabama. Reuben Foster. 3. player. 56. Cincinnati Bengals Select Reuben Foster with the No. 9 Pick in the First Round. Linebacker

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