Third Round, Fourth Round or Lower
Eddie Jackson has not played football since October. Had he not suffered a broken leg, Jackson would likely to have been picked early in the second round. Eddie missed the NFL Combine workouts and Alabama’s Pro Day as well.
In recent workouts for teams, Jackson declined to be timed in the 40-yard dash. Jackson may not have had time to fully recover from his injury and condition himself for a solid 40 time.
Unfortunately with his injury history also including a torn ACL, not being timed in the 40 may push Eddie down to the fourth round or lower.
In our mock draft sample, Jackson is projected as high as No. 83 in the third round. If drafted at No. 83, Eddie would be the ninth Alabama player selected in the draft.
Ardarius Stewart should make an NFL roster on toughness alone. He can also be a competent NFL possession receiver and kick returner. He does not have the stature normally sought in NFL starting receivers but his blocking ability and his Alabama background may overcome his lack of size. Most draft experts have Ardarius being chosen in the fourth round.
Our mock draft sample has him taken at No. 94. If selected at No. 94, Stweart is likely to become the tenth Alabama player selected in the draft.
Alabama wide receiver Gehrig Dieter has worked out for several NFL teams. Dieter may sneak into the sixth or seventh round. Most expect him to sign an NFL contract as an undrafted free agent.
Will Alabama tie Miami’s first round record of six players? Possibly, but not probably. Will ten Crimson tide players be drafted? Were it not for Eddie Jackson’s injury the answer would be certainly.
Whatever the final numbers, Alabama football will again assert its dominance as the nation’s premier program for aspiring NFL players.
Next: Reuben Foster Making Case to be a Top Pick
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