The Alabama Crimson Tide is a program known for its domination at the collegiate level, producing top draft picks and having players continue success into the NFL. With eight former players in the NFL Hall of Fame, Alabama ranks No. 7 for programs with the most amount of former players inducted.
An eternal spot in Canton, Ohio is a dream for every player entering the league. However, not all of them will come close to even being considered, regardless of their performance in college.
Is it possible that Alabama already has players in the NFL that are future members of the elite class of players? CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo believes so.
DeArdo named a potential Hall of Fame ‘lock’ from each of the 32 NFL franchises, two Crimson Tide products were mentioned.
Julio Jones
The seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was a star under Nick Saban at Alabama and has continued on with great success in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. It’s hard to discuss which receiver is the league’s best without mentioning Jones.
The Alabama native lead the league in receiving yards twice, was the co-leader in receptions in 2015 and was named to the NFL 2010’s ‘All-Decade’ team.
DeArdo claims that Jones is not a lock yet, but has high praise for the receiver and believes he’s close to it.
“…as good as Jones as been, he will likely need a few more prolific seasons to be considered a Hall of Fame “lock,” as he is currently 25th in career receiving yards,” writes DeArdo.
Derrick Henry
Henry was a Heisman winner in 2015 while at Alabama. The ‘downhill style’ running back has recently garnered nation-wide recognition as an elite back after leading the Tennessee Titans offense all the way to the AFC Championship game.
Henry earned a hefty long-term contract with the Titans. It is well deserved after he was selected to the 2019 Pro Bowl, led the NFL in rushing yards and was the co-leader in rushing touchdowns.
DeArdo doesn’t believe Henry is a lock for the Hall of Fame yet, but “will need at least 4-5 more seasons at his current pace.”
“I decided to give the nod to Henry, who is coming off a monster season that saw him win his first rushing title before he wrecked havoc on the Patriots and Ravens in the AFC playoffs,” writes DeArdo. “If he can stay healthy, and if he can put together another run like he had during the ’19 playoffs, Henry could be knocking on the doors of Canton by the time he hangs up his cleats for good.”