Which Alabama Crimson Tide players will have big rookie seasons in the NFL?

DT Phidarian Mathis with the Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders? More like the D.C. Crimson Tide!

By drafting Phidarian Mathis 47th overall and running back Brian Robinson Jr. 98th, Washington now has five former Crimson Tide players on its roster!

Mathis and Robinson Jr. join wideout Cam Sims and two defensive tackles – Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

Why Mathis will succeed as a rookie

Mathis was an afterthought on the vaunted Crimson Tide defense. Considering just how explosive and disruptive Dallas Turner and Will Anderson Jr. were on the edges, Mathis’ 9 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss feel like a drop in the pan.

Mathis ranked third in the conference – behind only Anderson and Ole Miss linebacker Sam Williams – for sacks in his senior year.

His energy, strength, and bubbly personality make him an invaluable asset to any team. Rotating through Payne, Allen, and now Mathis will be necessary with the stable of running backs in the NFC East.

Why Mathis will struggle as a rookie

Taking Phidarian in the second round might have been a bit of a stretch. ProFootballFocus mocked Mathis 94th overall (late third round) and many were surprised to see the defensive tackle off the board that early.

He has the technique and mentality to be a star in this league for many years to come, but it is likely for the best he is rotating with Allen and Payne. It gives him time to learn from two former Bama players and get his footing in the NFL.

I still think he will have a good rookie season, but he might not light up the statistics.