Alabama Football: In-depth Draft review for eleven Tide juniors
player. 829. . Safety. Crimson Tide . Xavier McKinney. 9
McKinney was the leader of the Alabama football defense in 2019. His snub as a finalist for all of the major awards is one of the biggest travesties in recent memory. That might be one of the factors behind him contemplating a return to Alabama.
He is looked at by many as the second best safety prospect in college behind LSU’s Grant Delpit. Many have him being drafted ahead of Delpit because of Delpit’s recent injury. In other words, he is another solid 1st round talent that is considering coming back to Alabama.
Just like with Ruggs the motivation to return has to be winning a title, winning an individual award, or maybe a little bit to do with the above picture. Those are the only things that could motivate a sure-fire 1st-rounder to turn down millions of dollars. If McKinney returns that would provide much-needed leadership in a secondary that will be a question mark in 2020. Reports indicate that McKinney is 50/50 on whether he will return or declare.
Chance of return – 50 percent
Draft outlook – 1st round
Linebacker. Crimson Tide . Dylan Moses. 10. player. 829.
Moses is another Alabama football player whose draft stock is in question due to injury. Going into this season he was believed by most to be the top LB prospect. He just needed to prove he could be the leader and play-caller of a defense. In his first two seasons at Alabama that role was filled by Mack Wilson. This was supposed to be his year. Fate had other plans.
He tore his ACL before the season began and was ruled out for the year. Now, he is a question mark on many draft boards. Scouts still have him highly rated because of his athleticism and power, but they don’t know how he will fare as the QB of a defense. This might be the main reason he is leaning towards returning to Alabama football in 2020.
He is still a fringe 1st round talent so this is a big decision for him. His return would be a major boost to an Alabama defense that was one of the worst Alabama defenses under Nick Saban.