Alabama Football sent seven more former players to the NFL on Saturday, including two more draftees and five undrafted free agents. The draft concluded with five more defensive players being chosen, bringing the total to nine defenders entering the league from Bama in 2023.
Former Alabama Football linebacker Henry To’o To’o was chosen 167th overall in the fifth round by the Houston Texans. He joins fellow linebacker Will Anderson Jr., who was chosen by the Texans with the no. 3 overall pick out of Bama. To’o To’o started at middle linebacker for the Crimson Tide and totaled 206 career tackles during his two seasons on campus.
Former Alabama Football safety DeMarcco Hellams was chosen 224th overall in the seventh round by the Atlanta Falcons. Hellams was another mainstay on the Bama defense, appearing in all 54 games for the Tide over the last four seasons. A two-year starter, he recorded 261 tackles and four interceptions in his Alabama career.
A handful of other Bama players were not drafted, but quickly signed with teams as undrafted free agents throughout Saturday evening. Fortunately, Bama has a history of producing very good undrafted free agents in the NFL.
Former Alabama Football offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr. signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. Ekiyor Jr. was a three-year starter on the Tide’s interior offensive line, and will return to his hometown of Indianapolis to play for the Colts.
Former Alabama Football defensive lineman DJ Dale signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. Dale started at nose guard for the better part of four years for the Crimson Tide, and will do his best to stick in the league. Dale brings a fundamentally sound and intelligent interior defensive lineman to the Bills.
Former Alabama Football cornerback Eli Ricks signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. Ricks transferred to Bama from LSU last offseason and ultimately started just five games for the Tide.
While he showed pro-level ability at times, he just wasn’t on the field enough at either of his stops to put together a draftable resume. Still, Ricks has a lot of physical tools that can’t be taught, and I think he has the potential to do well in the NFL.
Former Alabama Football linebacker Jaylen Moody. signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. Moody was a fan favorite in Alabama for his physical style at the inside linebacker position and his loyalty to the program. Whether it’s contributing on special teams or getting reps at linebacker, Moody’s attitude and effort will make the Bengals better.
Former Alabama Football offensive lineman Kendall Randolph signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. Randolph was an undersized offensive lineman that doubled as a jumbo tight end in his six years in Tuscaloosa.
He became valuable to the Bama offense for his experience and versatility as a reliable utility piece that could play almost any position along the offensive front. It will be interesting to see how he will be deployed in Seattle.
The Crimson Tide’s 10 drafted players, finishing tied with Georgia for the most in the country.