Alabama Football: Who needs a strong Pro Day and who doesn’t
By Ronald Evans
The Alabama Football NFL Pro Day workouts are Wednesday. For a few former Crimson Tide players, this exposure to NFL teams is extremely important, especially for those who did not get NFL Combine invites.
Though Evan Neal did not participate in Combine workouts, Pro Day will not be, make or break. Neal is expected to be the first offensive lineman taken in next month’s Draft. It is hard to see him being selected anywhere but inside the top ten picks.
After posting sizzling 40-yard times at the Combine, Pro Day is also less important for Christian Harris and Jaylin Armour-Davis. Harris ran an official 40 time of 4.44, while Armour-Davis ran a sizzling 4.39. In fairness to Harris, 4.44 is also sizzling for a linebacker. Brian Robinson Jr. ran a respectable 4.53 at the Combine.
For Armour-Davis, whose college career was limited by injuries, Pro Day could still be valuable. However, the former Crimson Tide cornerback should probably pass on another timed ’40’.
One guy who must run on Wednesday and must run faster is Slade Bolden. At the Combine, Bolden was the slowest of the wide receivers, running a 4.66. Speed is important, but as a potential NFL slot receiver, quickness is as important. At the Alabama Football Pro Day, Bolden cannot afford to be rated as lacking in both.
The former Crimson Tide players who must stand out on Wednesday are Josh Jobe, LaBryan Ray, Chris Allen, Chris Owens and Daniel Wright. While Jobe, Ray and Allen are expected to be drafted, there is no guarantee Chris Owens or Daniel Wright will be selected. Wednesday is a key day for the pair to change minds and make a solid impression on NFL teams.
Former Alabama Football Players who will or will likely be drafted
Note: Predicted draft rounds below are nothing more than best guesses
- Evan Neal – High First Round
- Jameson Williams – Late First Round
- John Metchie – Second Round
- Christian Harris – Second Round
- Josh Jobe – Second or Third Round
- Brian Robinson Jr. – Third or Fourth Round
- Phidarian Mathis – Third or Fourth Round
- Jaylin Armour-Davis – Third or Fourth Round
- Slade Bolden, LaBryan Ray and Chris Allen will probably be drafted in the last two rounds
- Chris Owens and Daniel Wright – Undrafted Free Agents
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The 2022 NFL Draft first round will be on Friday, Apr. 28. The other rounds will take place on Apr. 29 and Apr. 30. The Jacksonville Jaguars have the first pick.