Category: Bama in NFL

Latest USA TODAY 2021 NFL mock draft has six Alabama players in first round

Latest USA TODAY 2021 NFL mock draft predicts six Alabama stars to be drafted in the first round.

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With the 2020 season completed, players have begun looking ahead toward a professional career. The Senior Bowl showcased plenty of star power, especially some high-profile Alabama stars.

The NFL has one game remaining, but 30 franchises and their fans have already been glued to mock drafts and analysis to see who their favorite team may draft.

With only a few months to go, the projections are starting to clear up, and teams are homing in on particular players.

The latest USA TODAY mock draft by Luke Easterling predicts six Crimson Tide stars will be drafted in the first round.

Here’s where they land:

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian Barmore, DL

Christian Barmore
Mickey Welsh, Montgomery Advertiser

Barmore was a leader in the defensive front for Alabama in 2020, but his draft value visibly slid from top-10 to the bottom half of the first round. The Tampa Bay defense has proven one of the strongest in the league, aiding in their Super Bowl run. Barmore would be a steal this late in the first round and has the potential to be an immediate starter and difference maker.

NEXT … Najee Harris

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WATCH: Tua Tagovailoa talks about potentially being traded

Tua Tagovailoa has had his name in the headlines recently, but not for his plays on the field. He is rumored to potentially be traded …

Former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a complicated rookie season that began with him on the bench and eventually led to a slew of interesting headlines by the end of the year.

He threw for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns on 64% completion, while throwing five interceptions in his nine starts for the Miami Dolphins.

Now, some are beginning to question whether Tagovailoa will begin his second year in the NFL with the team that drafted him.

Rumors are heating up surrounding a potential trade deal that could include sending Tagovailoa and draft picks to Houston in exchange for disgruntled star quarterback, Deshaun Watson.

Not a single party implicated in the rumors has spoken out about them, but hearsay and ‘sources’ have made this nearly a must-watch storyline in the NFL.

As a guest on the Dan Patrick Show today, Tagovailoa was asked how he felt about the rumors.

He answered with a precise and short answer, just as Nick Saban trained him to give.

6 Alabama players projected to go first round in latest USA TODAY 2021 NFL mock draft

USA TODAY’s latest 2021 NFL mock draft predicts six Alabama Crimson Tide stars in the first round, with Najee Harris peaking in the teens.

The first round of recent NFL drafts always seem to be littered with Alabama stars, and analysts predict 2021 won’t be any different.

Numerous offensive an defensive players have performed at a high level for the Crimson Tide in their 2020 national championship run, now they’ll have a shot at getting to play in the pros.

Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports believes that there will be six Nick Saban products selected on the first night of the draft.

Here’s where they land:

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Christian Barmore, DT

Christian Barmore
Mickey Welsh, Montgomery Advertiser

Barmore was a name that trended more toward the top 10 before the season began. While his value may have fallen, he is certainly still worthy of a first-round selection. The Jaguars need help upfront, and Barmore will be an immediate fix.

NEXT … Jaylen Waddle & Najee Harris

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WATCH: Miami Dolphins HC shares high praise for DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith is participating in the 2021 Senior Bowl. Though not coaching Smith, Miami’s Brian Flores has high praise.

DeVonta Smith is one of a select group of seniors preparing for the 2021 Senior Bowl. While the game is fun, the players are mostly there for scouting reasons.

The NFL draft is a few months away, but teams are trying to gauge who they want on their radar come draft night.

With the No. 3 overall selection, the Miami Dolphins have been linked to two Crimson Tide stars, running back Najee Harris and wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

Harris has the unique opportunity to be on the team coached by the Dolphins coaching staff. Smith is coached this week by the Carolina Panthers staff.

Yesterday, Smith went on NFL Network and mentioned conversations he had with his former quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, about how fun it would be to reunite and play together in Miami.

Today, Brian Flores, head coach of the Dolphins, joined ESPNU to discuss what he’s seen in Smith.

Nothing but high praise for the former Alabama star.

Flores also weighed in on Smith’s size, which some criticize by claiming he’s too small.

WATCH: DeVonta Smith talks about potentially reuniting with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami

Former Alabama football wide receiver DeVonta Smith reveals that he has spoken to his former Qb Tua Tagovailoa about reuniting in Miami.

Former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith is now practicing in Mobile, Alabama for the 2021 Senior Bowl, where all eyes are locked on some of the biggest stars heading into the NFL draft.

Smith is the most decorated collegiate wide receiver in history, and is considered by many to be the best wide receiver in the draft class.

Plenty of analysts, mock drafts and fans would like to see Smith reunited with his former quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.

The Miami Dolphins would likely need to select the 2020 Heisman winner with the No. 3 overall pick.

Smith, during an interview on NFL Network, revealed the he has spoken with Tua about the potential reunion, and claims, “We have talked about how it would be nice to run it back again.”

Mel Kiper’s first 2021 NFL mock draft has 6 Alabama players in first round

Alabama Crimson Tide stars are no strangers to being drafted in the first round. ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects six Alabama players to be sele…

With the NFL season coming to a close, and college players signing with agents, it is officially draft season.

The 2021 NFL draft is still a few months away, but players, scouts, analysts and fans are getting ready to see who is selected where.

Since many of us can’t wait until April for the real thing, mock drafts are the next best thing.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has released his first mock draft of the year, and it is loaded with Crimson Tide stars.

Here’s where they are projected to land:

30. Buffalo Bills – Najee Harris, RB

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Najee finished fifth in the final Heisman voting and was an absolute game changer for the Crimson Tide in his senior season. The Buffalo Bills have yet to find a long-term answer for the running back position. Devin Singletary and Zack Moss have not shown to be capable of being every-down backs. Najee might be the final piece needed to get the Bills to the Super Bowl.

NEXT … Mac Jones

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Miami Dolphins hire new QB coach who has coached Tua Tagovailoa before

The Miami Dolphins have not yet hired a new OC, but have made a move to make Tua Tagovailoa more comfortable with their new QB coach, Cha…

The Miami Dolphins are set to enter their second season with former Alabama star quarterback and No. 5 overall selection Tua Tagovailoa. Though many doubt his abilities after seeing him start for most of the season, he will head into the 2021 offseason as the starting quarterback for the franchise.

In his rookie season, Tagovailoa posted decent numbers, given his situation, but not enough for NFL fans to praise him in comparison to other quarterbacks from the 2020 draft class.

In 20 appearances, he tallied 1,814 yards on 64% completion, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The Dolphins parted ways with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, whom many fans blamed for the lack of explosiveness in Tagovailoa’s game. They still have not hired a replacement.

However, Miami hired a coach out of the collegiate level, Charlie Frye, who most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Central Michigan.

While this may appear to be a bit of a unique hire, outside of Frye’s experience as a quarterback and an offensive coach, but there’s a specific reason the Dolphins brought him in.

Frye and Tagovailoa have worked together in the past.

Their paths crossed in 2016, as Tagovailoa participated in the Elite 11 quarterback competition.

While there are rumors surrounding Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins, as Deshaun Watson’s name continues to float near the South Florida franchise regarding a trade, this move by the Miami front office makes it seem like they are that much more committed to Tagovailoa’s success with the team.

 

Pro Football Network’s latest 2021 NFL mock draft has 7 Alabama stars in first round

Sevene Alabama players are projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, according to Pro Football Network’s latest …

With the 2021 national championship now in the rear view mirror for all of college football except for Alabama, who holds the title in their very full pockets, it is time to start seriously honing in on the 2021 NFL draft.

Zach Segars of Pro Football Network put together his latest mock draft for the first round, and it is loaded with names familiar to Crimson Tide fans.

The Alabama offense definitely stole the spotlight from the defense this year, but both sides of the ball are represented in this mock draft.

Seven Crimson Tide stars in total are projected to be drafted in the first round.

Here’s where they land:

Top 5 landing spots for Mark Ingram in 2021 free agency

Former Alabama running back Mark Ingram is now a free agent in the NFL, here are five potential landing spots for the 31-year old RB.

Former Alabama running back Mark Ingram may be 31-years old, and just completed season No. 10, but he’s primed for another shot with a new team.

The Baltimore Ravens released the 2009 Heisman-winning running back in order to save $5 million in cap space for the 2021 season.

Now, as a free agent, Ingram will likely gain interest from numerous teams around the league.

He may not be the youngest running back in the game, but there’s no doubt that he is still one of the best.

Ingram’s 2020 season saw minimal action, due to the Ravens’ efforts to give their young, next generation players some on-field time.

However, he’s proven he can still play as hard as anyone else. In 2019, Ingram rushed for 1,018 yards on 202 carries for 10 touchdowns, as well as an additional 247 yards and five touchdowns from 26 receptions.

Here are five possible landing spots for Ingram in the 2021 off season:

Mark Ingram released from Baltimore, will be free agent

Baltimore Ravens release former star Alabama running back Mark Ingram with one year remaining on his contract, they will save roughly $5 mil

Former Alabama running back Mark Ingram has been released by the Baltimore Ravens with one year remaining on his deal, which wil save the franchise roughly $5 million next season.

The team will likely move forward with the young J.K. Dobbins, whom they drafted from Ohio State in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

The 2009 Heisman trophy recipient was selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, and played the first eight years of his career with the New Orleans Saints.

As a free agent in 2019, Ingram signed with the Ravens and knew his role. He was to be a veteran leader and share his expereince and wisdom with the young team.

Though, he was a leader, he was still being paid to be a running back.

In his first season with the team, Ingram totaled 1,265 yards from scrimmage and reached the endzone 15 times.

His numbers tailed off in 2020, as he was often listed as a healthy scratch for some games. The young generation of Ravens running backs were getting their chances.

The 31-year old running back was an energizing force with the team that instantly became absorbed by the Baltimore faithful.

Prior to his release, Ingram thanked the Ravens.

There’s no telling what the future holds for the former Alabama star running back, but when a decision is made Roll Tide Wire will publish any and all information that becomes available.