One of the biggest college football stories right now in undoubtedly the NFL Draft. Everyone is eager to know who is declaring, who is returning, and where they would end up in the draft.
On Monday night, Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses announced he will be returning to Alabama for the 2020 season. There will be more announcements after the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday regarding player’s decisions on their future. But as of right now, there is the potential for 8 Alabama players to be drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft according to USA Today.
Let’s take a look and see where USA Today believes these 8 Alabama players are going:
5. Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa, QB
According to Nick Saban, with the NFL teams he has talked to, Tagovailoa is the only one who scored a top 15 grade. But, time still tells. Tua still has a decision to make on whether he is retuning or declaring, and his draft stock is pretty dependent on his prognosis as he continues to recover from hip surgery. Regardless, Tagovailoa has plenty of talent to become a franchise quarterback wherever he ended up, if he was to declare for the NFL Draft.
7. Carolina Panthers — Jedrick Wills Jr., OT
If he was to decide to declare for the NFL Draft, USA Today believes he could end up on a team who desperately needs some help on the offensive line. After all, the Panthers were tied in the NFL for the most sacks allowed (58), and Wills has the ability to be a force on the O-line. There were many plays this season for the Crimson Tide that were furthered thanks to Wills’ ability to block, run over defenders, and hold his ground.
12. Oakland Raiders — Jerry Jeudy, WR
Simply put, the Oakland Raiders could desperately use a wide receiver like Jeudy who is so versatile, and is extremely talented. With former Alabama RB Josh Jacobs as a threat on the ground for the Raiders, adding a guy like Jeudy as a receiver could make the Raiders a team to watch for next season.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers) — Alex Leatherwood, OT
If Tagovailoa was to end up in Miami, there is one thing he’d desperately need: offensive protection. Last season, the Dolphins allowed 146 quarterback hits, which was the worst in the league. There’s no way Tagovailoa could endure that much of a constant beating, and adding a strong offensive lineman like Leatherwood would help create protection for the quarterback. Leatherwood brings talent and a strong skillset, and is able to play several different positions such as guards and tackle.
19. Oakland Raiders (from Bears) — Trevon Diggs, CB
Trevon Diggs has shown his ability to be playmaker, and would be a big playmaker for the Raiders, a team who could use a dominant defender. Diggs’ speed and field vision allow him the ability to make big plays, and create momentum shifts. The Raiders could use a player like Diggs, who can create turnovers. After all, the Raiders led the league in allowed yards per play, and most allowed completions of 40+ yards.
21. Philadelphia Eagles — Henry Ruggs III, WR,
Ruggs is hands down, one of the fastest players in this draft class. His ability to move around defenders is outstanding, as is his ability to make big plays downfield. USA Today explains that this pick by the Eagles would open up an offensive opportunity of play for Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz. If there’s one player who is able to make extremely big plays downfield, it’s Ruggs.
22. Tennessee Titans — Terrell Lewis, OLB
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)Lewis has the ability to be a HUGE defensive playmaker. His speed, strength, and size have allowed him to make big plays in the backfield, and that’s exactly what the Titans need. This season, they struggled to stop big plays downfield, as well as make big plays up front. If the Titans drafted a player like Lewis, it could be a game changer for them defensively.
31. San Francisco 49ers — Xavier McKinney, S
McKinney was one of the more underrated defenders this season. The 49ers could easily use a player with the skillset and talent McKinney has. He has the ability to make big plays and create turnovers. All in all, McKinney would be a great pick to add to the 49ers secondary.
Regardless of these mock drafts, we will have to wait and see which players decided to declare and which players will decide to return.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date with the latest!
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