Tag: Bama in the NFL

Why C.J. Stroud believes John Metchie III is poised for a breakout season in 2024

Former Alabama WR John Metchie III is ready to make an impact for the Houston Texans in 2024 and QB C.J. Stroud details why.

In the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, the Houston Texans used the No. 44 overall pick to select former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver, John Metchie III. After two seasons with the franchise, he is now poised to step up into a role where he can consistently contribute and showcase his talents.

Though he had suffered a torn ACL in the SEC championship game just a few months prior to being drafted, the biggest concern for Metchie came from a cancer diagnosis, acute promyelocytic leukemia. While receiving treatment, Metchie missed the 2022 NFL season. A year later, he returned to the team and played a limited role throughout the 2023 season.

Last season, Metchie appeared in 16 games and tallied 16 receptions for 158 yards. A stark contrast from his production at Alabama, where his final season featured a stat line of 93 receptions, 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.

As he prepares for the upcoming 2024 season, his teammates aren’t shying away from warning the league about what’s to come from Metchie.

Texas quarterback, C.J. Stroud may only have one season under his belt, but he’s been spectacular. The former Ohio State Buckeyes QB was the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was selected to the Pro Bowl and was named as a member of the PFWA All-Rookie team.

Recently, Stroud spoke with media members and took a moment to talk about Metchie. Regarding his playing abilities, Stroud stated, “He’s running some of the best routes I have ever seen.” However, that’s not all Stroud touched on. The young quarterback also noted Metchie’s ability to overcome adversity with all that he’s been through.

Stroud and Metchie will be an interesting QB-WR duo to watch through ought the upcoming 2024 season, as will the Houston Texans overall. The relatively young team consists of star power at various levels of experience. In the AFC South, Houston is the team to beat.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow John Metchie III and other Crimson Tide players in the NFL, as well as all Alabama football news as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams is a ‘man on a mission’ heading into 2024 NFL season

Former Alabama WR Jameson Williams is preparing for what his coach believes will be a huge step in the right direction in 2024.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jameson Williams is preparing for his third season in the NFL after being selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2022 draft.

Though he has spent a significant amount of time off the field due to injuries and a suspension from the league, he is gearing up for a breakout season in 2024.

His head coach, Dan Campbell, recently spoke with media members about Williams and had high praise for the young wide receiver.

“Two practices in and if you said ‘give me one player that is the most improved from that start to finish,’ in that time, Jamo would be that guy right there,” said Campbell. “He is a man on a mission, and I’m just going to leave it at that.”

In his two seasons in the NFL, both with Detroit, Williams appeared in 18 games, reeled in 25 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns. He also has four rushing attempts for 69 yards and a single touchdown.

The former Alabama star played one season in Tuscaloosa, joining the program via the transfer portal after starting his career with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He now looks to make his presence known across the league and contribute to the Lions’ 2024 season, which has high expectations following last season’s playoff run.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Jameson Williams, other former Alabama football players in the NFL and all Alabama football news as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Former Alabama K Will Reichard drafted by Minnesota Vikings

Former Alabama kicker Will Reichard is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings after being selected in Round 6 of the 2024 NFL draft!

Former Alabama Crimson Tide kicker Will Reichard will begin his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected by the franchise in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Reichard will be remembered in Tuscaloosa as a Crimson Tide legend. Not only did he leave a lasting legacy in the program, he left his mark on college football history. In 2023, Reichard became the highest-scoring college football player in NCAA history.

In his five seasons at Alabama, he made 99.3% (295/297) of his extra points, and 84% (84/100) of field goals and is responsible for 547 total points.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow former Alabama players as they look to begin their NFL careers in the upcoming 2024 season.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Former Alabama RB Jase McClellan selected by Atlanta Falcons in Round 6 of 2024 NFL draft

Jase McClellan is headed to the NFL after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft!

Former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jase McClellan finally heard his name called in the 2024 NFL draft as the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the sixth round.

McClellan joins a Falcons backfield headlined by former Texas Longhorns standout Bijan Robinson. The former member of the Crimson Tide will have to work hard in the offseason to earn a roster spot and a contributing role on the team for the upcoming 2024 season.

In 2023, McClellan had a career season. On 180 carries, he rushed for 890 yards and eight touchdowns, while also reeling in 15 receptions for 137 yards.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow former Alabama players making the transition to the NFL as the draft concludes and the offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Former Alabama WR Jermaine Burton drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals

Former Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton selected by the Cincinnati Bengals

Former Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton has been selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft with the 80th pick. He joins a talented young offense headlined by a pair of former LSU Tigers, Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase.

In the 2023 season, he totaled 798 yards and eight touchdowns on 39 receptions. Burton has the ability to get open deep and create big plays in the passing game.

Burton is one of the more underappreciated prospects in the 2024 draft class and will be a solid weapon for Burrow and the Bengals which should have one of the top offenses in the NFL this season.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Burton as he begins his professional career in the 2024 NFL season.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Former Alabama DE Chris Braswell selected by Tampa Bay in second round of 2024 NFL draft

Former Alabama defensive end Chris Braswell is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football defensive end Chris Braswell has been selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft with the No. 57 pick.

Braswell had a strong 2023 season. Though he didn’t grab much of the spotlight, he put up respectable numbers. He recorded 42 total tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown.

Braswell is a former five-star recruit who had to wait his turn in Tuscaloosa with the likes of Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner roaming the edge of the Alabama defense.

Now Braswell will make his mark at the next level with the Bucs!

 

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow other former Alabama football players who are looking to begin their professional careers through the 2024 NFL draft.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Kool-Aid McKinstry selected by New Orleans Saints in second round of 2024 NFL draft

Former Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry will begin his professional career with the New Orleans Saints after being selected No. 41 overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry will begin his professional career with the New Orleans Saints after being selected No. 41 overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.

McKinstry was on the first-round radar for quite some time. Many experts had him near the top of cornerback position grades heading into the 2023 college football season. A slight decline in production and the rise of fellow Crimson Tide cornerback Terrion Arnold led to McKinstry sliding in 2024 projections. However, he didn’t wait long after the second round began.

Last season, McKinstry recorded 32 total tackles, two tackles for loss and seven defended passes. However, in 2022, he tallied 35 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, an interception and 15 passes defended.

It’s noteworthy that McKinstry is also a skilled special teams asset. He was utilized as Alabama’s primary punt returner for a while.

He lands with the Saints as a steal of a pick; they have an immediate starter in the talented rookie-to-be.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow McKinstry as he begins his professional career in the 2024 NFL season.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Terrion Arnold selected No. 24 overall by Detroit Lions in first round of 2024 NFL draft

Former Alabama CB Terrion Arnold has been selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft!

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football defensive back Terrion Arnold was selected No. 24 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Arnold made quite a name for himself during the 2023 college football season. After entering the year below fellow teammate and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, his high level of play and leadership skills allowed him to skyrocket up draft boards as the season went on.

He is a strong corner who will be a valuable member of the Lions’ secondary and fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the boost he offers their defense overall.

In 2023, Arnold had 63 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and an impressive five interceptions.

Detroit fans are all too familiar with former Alabama players at this point, as the franchise has managed to draft multiple over the last few years.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Terrion Arnold and other former Alabama football players who are preparing for their rookie years in the upcoming 2024 NFL season.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Dallas Turner selected by Minnesota Vikings No. 17 overall in 2024 NFL draft

Former Alabama LB Dallas Turner is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings after being selected No. 17 overall in the 2024 NFL draft!

Former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner will begin his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected at No. 17 in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. He slid further than anyone anticipated, which surprised many.

Turner becomes an immediate boost to the Vikings’ defense. The team traded up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to select the former Alabama star. Now, its defensive line gets an instant upgrade with a young player eager to disrupt the backfield of the opposing offense at every snap.

The spotlight was on Turner in the 2023 college football season: He had the hefty task of replacing Will Anderson Jr., who was selected No. 3 by the Houston Texans in the 2023 draft. Not only did Turner step up to the challenge, but he also exceeded expectations.

His destination comes as a surprise. He was long projected to be selected by the Atlanta Falcons; some argued he was the perfect fit for the franchise. Minnesota landed him after selecting former Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Dallas Turner and other former Alabama players preparing for their upcoming rookie year in the 2024 NFL season.

Follow along with live draft coverage and analysis of every pick at College Sports Wire’s live 2024 NFL draft tracker.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

JC Latham selected No. 7 to Tennessee Titans in first round of 2024 NFL draft

JC Latham will begin his professional career in Nashville with the Tennessee Titans after being selected No. 7 overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft!

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football offensive lineman JC Latham will begin his professional career with the Tennessee Titans after being selected seventh in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Latham was not only the anchor of the Crimson Tide offensive line in the 2023 season, but he also served as a veteran team leader. His size and skill set made him one of the top linemen in this year’s draft class and becomes an immediate starter and asset for the Titans.

Latham is the second offensive lineman selected, after former member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Joe Alt.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Latham and other former Alabama football stars as they begin their NFL careers in the upcoming 2024 season.

Follow along with live draft coverage and analysis of every pick at College Sports Wire’s live 2024 NFL draft tracker.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM.