Latest First Round NFL Mock Draft for Crimson Tide Players
By Cj Dew
Could we see the Alabama Crimson Tide break the record for most players drafted in the first-round by a single school? Look no further, as I have broken down the players I believe will be called on day 1 and where they land.
With the 2019-2020 College Football season over, we have several things to look forward to, but one in particular to focus on, being the 2020 NFL Draft in April. One of the biggest things people are waiting to see, is if Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, will fall in the draft after a horrific hip injury versus Mississippi State this past season. The Crimson Tide was able to bring in backup quarterback Mac Jones to lead Alabama to key victories over Western Carolina and Michigan.
After Tua went down with his injury, Joe Burrow surprised the college football world by leading LSU to an undefeated season, a Heisman Trophy, and the rumors flying around of Burrow being the #1 pick in this upcoming draft. With that being said, do not be surprised to see a plethora of Alabama players being selected in the first-round. Here we have my break down of what Crimson Tide players I think will land in the first-round and where. I have selected these picks based on fit with the proper teams and how each player fits their needs assessment.
Pick No. 4-New York Giants-Jerry Jeudy-WR Alabama
With the New York Giants basically cleaning house this off-season coaching wise, some things will stay the same, including quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. With the recent news of Eli Manning retiring, the Giants look to help Jones rebound after an on-and-off rookie season, completing, per ESPN, 61.9 percent of his passes, but threw for 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Jeudy will be the perfect target for him to throw to, as the former Biletnikoff Trophy winner, is NFL ready and should have a solid rookie year. This pick also takes some of the pressure off of Saquon Barkley, who struggled last season with a frustrating ankle injury. Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are nice wideouts to have, but Jeudy has shown flashes over the last couple of years and has even been considered one of the best receivers of the past decade.
Pick No. 5-Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa-QB Alabama
Yes.. The Miami Dolphins will draft Tua with the 5th overall pick. Regardless of his injury problems, the Dolphins are in the process of rebuilding, and with the amount of picks they have in this draft, they can afford to draft Tua, let him sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick for a year if needed, and see how well Tua can play when healthy. There have been some rumors floating around about the Dolphins needing to trade up to snag Tua, but as of right now, those are just rumors.
Pick No. 10-Cleveland Browns-Jedrick Wills-OT Alabama
Jedrick Wills primarily played right tackle at Alabama, mostly because of Tua Tagovailoa being a left-handed quarterback. The Browns have probably seen the last of left tackle Greg Robinson, and could look to plug-in Wills immediately. Wills came into this past season as an underdog on a loaded offensive line for Alabama, and proved he is a first-round talent with tremendous power, controlled balance, and using his knowledge to overwhelm defenders. Everybody knows the Browns need help on the line, and this could be a solid solution.
Pick No. 15-Denver Broncos-Henry Ruggs III-WR Alabama
The Broncos could have a lethal offensive by adding speedster wide receiver Henry Ruggs III from Alabama. The Broncos ranked 28th in offense this past year, and adding Ruggs would a huge weapon for Drew Lock. Imagine Courtland Sutton, Henry Ruggs, and tight-end Noah Fant to catching passes from a rejuvenated Drew Lock. According to Charlie Potter of 247 Sports, teammate Jerry Jeudy said that Ruggs has been clocked at speeds of 23 and 24 miles per hour.
Jerry Jeudy said Henry Ruggs III has registered 24 mph on the catapult. He’s the first at Alabama to do that.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 15, 2018
So, who’s the fastest wide receiver?
“I ain’t clocked no 24 yet so I give it Ruggs. It’s between Ruggs and (Jaylen) Waddle.”
If the Broncos can get clicking on all cylinders, this could be a very dangerous offense.
Pick No. 32-San Francisco 49ers-Xavier McKinney-Safety Alabama
I am firmly aware that this pick is kind of bold, but can you see a secondary headed by Richard Sherman and Xavier McKinney? The 49ers already have a stout team and are reaching the Super Bowl for 3rd time since 1995. McKinney is a strong powered, headhunting machine who is going to have a long NFL career as long as he continues to progress. The Cleveland Browns have been rumored to have traction targeting 49ers defensive backs coach, Joe Woods, and whoever the new coach ends up being would be very happy with this addition. McKinney is just too good of a player to go past the first round.
There a variety of other players that could sneak into the first round this year, such as cornerback Trevon Diggs, defensive lineman Raekwon Davis, and even edge rusher Terrell Lewis. All three players have dealt with nagging injuries and when fully healthy have the potential to be special. Najee Harris was also a player who could have slid his way into the first round, but decided to return to the Alabama Crimson Tide for his senior year.
Now that Tua is gone, will 5-star freshman QB Bryce Young push Mac Jones for the starting job?. dark. Next
Since Nick Saban has taken over Alabama, the Crimson Tide are always a threat to break records in the NFL Draft. The Miami Hurricanes hold the current record of 6 first-round picks and that was in 2004. Will this be the year the Tide breaks the record?