Alabama Football: Top 30 NFL Draft prospects of the Nick Saban Era

Alabama football’s top 30 NFL Draft prospects: 27-25

27. Rashaan Evans, Linebacker

Evans followed Alabama football’s tradition of having stud inside linebackers, and he was one of the best. His draft stock wasn’t sky-high, but he was expected to be a day-one starter in the NFL. He has been that for the Tennessee Titans for multiple years, and he is one of their strongest pieces on the defensive side. Mike Vrabel loves to have tough-nosed players on defense, and Evans fills that need incredibly well.

26. Kareem Jackson, Cornerback

Jackson plays safety in the NFL, but he was a great corner for Nick Saban. Many people forget about him when you list all of Saban’s top defensive backs, but he was the mold at the beginning of the dynasty. He was great in coverage, had top-tier instincts, and was a strong tackler. Playing alongside Javier Arenas, these corners did some damage in the SEC. Jackson still plays in the NFL a decade after being drafted, showing that he was worth the first-round selection. He was never a top cornerback in the NFL, but he has always been a valuable asset for a team to have.

25. Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback

Kirkpatrick was a monster for Alabama football, and NFL Draft scouts noticed. He was one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs that Saban has ever had. While he has been forgotten over time, he has had a successful career with the Cincinnati Bengals, the team that drafted him. He was recently cut by the Bengals, but he still has a chance to be signed before the next NFL season.