Alabama Football: Predicting Tide’s NFL Draft decisions

Predicting Alabama football’s 2022 NFL Draft decisions

Players who will probably stay

Henry To’o To’o, LB

To’o To’o is good enough to enter the NFL Draft, but rumors are that he will return. He improved as the season progressed, and he will be a cornerstone for Alabama’s defense if he comes back.

D.J. Dale, IDL

Dale is a three-year starter, but his production is lackluster. He may enter the NFL Draft, but he could also be a senior leader for the Tide if he returns. It just depends on what he wants to do. Expect Saban to recruit him to return, but he may want to go to the NFL as a rotational player.

Justin Eboigbe

Eboigbe is eligible for the NFL Draft, but he needs more time to develop. He’s likely a Day 3 prospect right now, so he has a lot of potential money that he can make if he comes back. We’ll see what he does, but he should come back this year.

Cameron Latu, TE

Latu was an X factor for Alabama football, but his role would increase if he were to return. He’s still developing as a tight end, and he will see more targets next year without Jahleel Billingsley. He could be drafted now, but he could be one of the top prospects at the position in 2023.

Emil Ekiyor Jr., IOL

Ekiyor is solid, but he won’t be considered a top NFL Draft prospect. He can develop with another year as a starter.

Darrian Dalcourt, IDL

Dalcourt is another player who could use more time in the program. Injuries plagued the end of his season, but he has potential if he comes back fully healthy. He could play guard or center depending on how competitions shape up.

Slade Bolden, WR

Honestly, this is the one prediction I’m the least confident in. Slade has two degrees in four years. His ceiling as an Alabama football player is naturally low. It wouldn’t shock me for him to decide that he’s maxed out in Tuscaloosa. He could try and be a special teams player in the NFL, which is likely his ceiling.

I expect Bolden to return, but he could be one of those head-scratching players who leaves with eligibility on the table.