Alabama Football: 5 biggest 2021 NFL Draft debates
By Dakota Cox
Alabama football players are involved with every 2021 NFL Draft debate
The beauty of any NFL draft is that it will impact the NFL for years to come. Every season, the addition of college football stars changes the trajectory of every franchise. With that much pressure, there is a debate regarding the best players. Who is going to bust? Where is the value? What traits transfer to the NFL? Every season, Alabama football players find themselves in the middle of these debates.
Last year, the biggest debate surrounded QB2, and Tua Tagovailoa was eventually drafted ahead of Justin Herbert. People also argued about the first tier of receivers, and Henry Ruggs became WR1. Shortly behind him, Jeudy was also drafted.
Once again, the biggest debates heading into the draft surround some Alabama football players. Here are the top debates as the 2021 NFL Draft approaches.
5. How will the second tier of offensive linemen play?
It is widely believed that Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater are in the top tier of offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft. They will likely be gone by the top 12 picks. In the second half of the first round, numerous teams need help on the offensive line. So, who’s next?
At tackle, players like Christian Darrisaw and Sam Cosmi are in the mix. Alijah Vera-Tucker is also in this tier, but many view him as a guard. Alongside these players is Alabama football’s Alex Leatherwood. He dominated in college, but how will his skills translate to the NFL?
This also translates to the interior of the offensive line. Landon Dickerson is getting a lot of love, but is it worth it to draft a center in the first round of the draft? That’s a decision that multiple teams will have to make.
Every NFL team will rank these players differently, but all that matters is where they go in the 2021 NFL Draft. Many will be taken in the first round, but some talented linemen will slide to the second day.