Alabama Football: Will these former players be drafted?

Alabama Football should be well-represented in the 2023 NFL Draft. Players such as Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr., Jahmyr Gibbs, and Brian Branch could be first round selections, and several more players expect to hear their name called.

A handful of former Alabama Football players remain on the fringes of mock draft projections, and it is uncertain whether or not they will be selected. Regardless, all of these players are talented prospects that come from a winning culture, so they will likely end up on rosters as free agents should they go undrafted.

Former Alabama Football defensive lineman DJ Dale projects as a late-round draft selection. Dale started the better part of four years at nose guard for the Crimson Tide, so he has plenty of experience playing against high-level competition.

The main knocks against DJ Dale are that he lacks the physical traits and athletic capabilities of the typical NFL defensive lineman, but he makes up ground with his savvy and technique. Dale appeared in 48 career games for the Tide, recording 74 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

Former Alabama Football linebacker Jaylen Moody was a fan favorite during his time in Tuscaloosa. The hard-hitting linebacker was refreshingly physical on special and in reserve roles at linebacker.

Additionally, Moody patiently awaited a bigger opportunity in an era where college kids are often too quick to jump ship. He finally got that chance as a fifth-year player in 2023. Moody played an important role at inside linebacker for the Tide before injuries derailed his season.

Despite missing several games, he was able to rack up career-highs of 49 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Jaylen Moody is reminiscent of some of the classic hard workers of the Saban era, and it’s easy enough to see him finding a niche and sticking on somebody’s NFL roster.

Former Alabama Football safety DeMarcco Hellams was a multi-year starter in the Crimson Tide secondary. He is an aggressive safety and a solid tackler who is adept at playing downhill.

Hellams’ weaknesses in pass coverage have been well-documented, but he is putting in the work to improve in that area. Even as the player he was at Alabama, there’s a decent chance that there is a role for Hellams in the NFL.

He will likely never be a free safety at the professional level, but he excels at what he does best. Few safeties are as good as Hellams in the box and against the run, so perhaps he becomes a dime linebacker at the next level.

Former Alabama Football tight end Cameron Latu learned the position very quickly after transitioning from outside linebacker earlier in his college career. He played 26 games in years at tight end, and became a major red zone target for quarterback Bryce Young.

Latu broke out in 2021, tying a single-season school record for tight ends with eight touchdown receptions. He finished his Bama career with 56 grabs for 787 yards and 12 receiving scores.

Guys like Dale, Moody, Hellams, and Latu continue to put in the work to become pros, and should keep Alabama Football fans invested in the 2023 NFL Draft until its conclusion.