Alabama Crimson Tide: Alabama Pro Day superlatives

As is the case every spring, the Alabama Crimson Tide football program was at the center of the NFL universe. Every NFL team had representatives in Tuscaloosa. A total of 12 NFL General Managers attended the Alabama Pro Day on Thursday. In addition, there were 10 NFL Head Coaches. Among the NFL head coaches present were Bill Belichick (New England), Pete Carroll (Seattle), Mike McDaniel (Miami), and Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh).

One estimate of the total number of NFL personnel present was over 160. The General Manager of the Carolina Panthers, along with Head Coach Frank Reich, owners David and Nichole Tepper, and other team officials had dinner with Bryce Young on Wednesday night.

Without question, Bryce Young was the star of Pro Day. Young provided a lengthy showcase of his passing skills. On the receiving end of Young’s passes were former Alabama Crimson Tide players, Slade Bolden, Cam Latu, and Jahmyr Gibbs, plus current Tide wide receivers Ja’Corey Brooks and Malik Benson.

Check out one of Young’s most impressive throws during the Thursday session.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1638976148192518144

Young received an abundance of accolades for his Pro Day performance. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported,

"One of the big takeaways from Bryce Young’s pro day is evaluators noted how high his release is and that he stands tall in his delivery. Doesn’t bend much. Watching him live, he throws bigger than he is. Concerns with his measurables are about weight, not height."

Along with Bryce, former Alabama Crimson Tide players who participated in Pro Day were Slade Bolden, D.J. Fluker, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jordan Battle, Brian Branch, Cam Latu, D.J. Dale, DeMarcco Hellams, Eli Ricks, Tyler Steen, Emil Ekiyor, Byron Young, Kendall Randolph and Henry To’oTo’o. Will Anderson Jr. and Jaylen Moody were in attendance but did not work out.

Nick Saban had much to say about his former players, especially Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr.

• On Bryce Young “We think he’s the best player in the draft.”
• On Will Anderson Jr. ” … has throwback competitive character in terms of toughness, work ethic, great leadership. Doing all the things that you would want any player on your team to do … I can’t say enough good things about Will Anderson.”

D.J. Fluker gained much attention in his attempt to return to the NFL. The slimmed-down Fluker appeared ready to start an NFL game immediately.

As a treat for Crimson Tide fans, check out one pass and reception from Bryce Young to Malik Benson.

The NFL Draft is Apr. 27-29. Up to a dozen former Crimson Tide players could be selected.