Alabama Football: In-depth Draft review for eleven Tide juniors
5. player. 829. . Defensive End. Crimson Tide . LaBryan Ray
Ray was poised for a breakout season, but an injury derailed a promising start. Ray missed nearly the entire season after suffering a foot injury that required surgery. Perhaps more concerning for scouts is that the recovery is taking longer than expected.
Ray was a dark horse 1st round pick coming into this season, but he has plummeted down draft boards since the injury. He still has not played a full season for Alabama football and has a lot left to prove to scouts. It is likely that he will return in 2020.
If he does decide to go to the next level his draft outlook is shaky. Scouts don’t have much tape to go on and teams would be taking a risk on an unproven talent with a history of injuries. He would be considered a project and teams won’t spend an early round pick on that type of player.
Chance of return – 90 percent
Draft outlook – 4th-5th round
829. . Offensive Tackle. Crimson Tide . Alex Leatherwood. 6. player
Leatherwood was the left-side anchor for Alabama football in 2019. While Nick Saban was trying to figure out the best combination of offensive linemen early on Alex Leatherwood was locked in as the LT. Leatherwood seems to be leaning towards returning for his senior season. That is a bit surprising since he is considered a late 1st or early 2nd round pick.
A return for Leatherwood could cement his status as a 1st round pick in 2021, but it is equally likely that he stays right where he is now on 2021 draft boards. If he returns that would be a boost to the Alabama football O-line, especially with the expected departure of his counterpart, Jedrick Wills.