As the NFL draft draws closer and closer here are some questions that are circulating that pertain to prospects and their draft stock as well as their potential and projected impacts at the next level.
Will the Crimson Tide continue to rule the first round of the draft this year?
Head Coach of the University of Alabama Nick Saban, who is considered the best coach in college football history and is referred to as the Bill Belichick of college football, has been at the helm of the most successful college football program over the last two decades.
He and his coaching staff have put together five national championship teams, made seven appearances in the title game and have produced more NFL draft picks than any other school during his tenure in Tuscaloosa. They have been especially proficient at developing and churning out first round prospects year in and year out and this year is no different.
This year the Crimson Tide had the top defensive tackle in Quinnen Williams, offensive tackle in Jonah Williams and running back Josh Jacobs declare for this year’s draft. They just held their Pro day and while both of the Williamses chose not to participate, opting to rest on their impressive showings at the combine, Jacobs, who didn’t partake in drills or workouts at the combine last month due to a groin injury, showed out for all those in attendance. He didn’t run a great 40-yard dash time but impressed in the one field drills.
The defensive tackle Williams was one of the stars that shined brightest at the combine when he ran a 4.83 at 303 pounds and was explosive throughout his on-field drills. The offensive tackle Williams showed off his fluid footwork and body movement as well as his sound technique in on-field drills.
Since 2008 Alabama has had 22 players drafted in the first round of the NFL draft and eight in the last two years alone. Both of the linemen are projected to be selected in the top 15 picks of the first round this year with the defensive tackle Williams expected to go off the board in the top five.
Early on in the pre-draft process Jacobs was being mocked to go as high as fifth overall to the Tampa Bay but since he missed the combine and other players starred in it, he is beginning to slide down mock draft boards but is still anticipated to hear his name called in the mid to late part of the opening round.
All three prospects are expected to continue to extend their school’s first-round domination and will almost assuredly be starting for whichever team selects them when the regular season rolls around.
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