Tag: Devonta Smith

5 Alabama players are “top 10 players” in SEC according to 247Sports

247Sports named their top 10 SEC football players, and half of the list are players from Alabama.

Alabama looks forward to 2020 as a revenge season, after finishing 11-2 with a Citrus Bowl win and an absence in the College Football Playoffs. However, they are also missing a few key pieces that hey have leaned on in previous seasons.

Players such as quarterback Tua Tagvailoa and wide receivers, Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy, left the Crimson Tide to pursue a professional career in the NFL.

While the team may miss the aforementioned players, that does not mean that the 2020 Crimson Tide team lacks talent. In fact, five out of 10 players listed in 247Sports’ Brandon Marcello’s ‘Top 10 players in the SEC‘ are from Alabama.

Here’s where they ranked:

10. Dylan Moses, LB

Dylan Moses
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Moses returns to Alabama, despite many believing he would enter the 2020 NFL draft. After missing all of 2019 due to a knee injury he suffered in the preseason, Moses is expected to be a defensive leader on, and off, the field.

“The college football world forgot about Dylan Moses until there were questions surrounding his future in January,” says Marcello. “Would he return to Alabama or would he chase a professional career after sitting out the 2019 season with an injury? Well, he’s back and an All-American season could be on the docket for the versatile linebacker. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award as a sophomore in 2018 after recording a team-high 86 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.”

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Draft Wire’s latest 2021 NFL mock draft has 7 Alabama players in first round

Draft Wire’s latest 2021 NFL Mock Draft predicts seven Alabama players will be selected in the first round.

It’s never too early to start looking at mock drafts, especially when the 2020 Alabama football team is loaded with potential early-round talent.

USA Today’s Draft Wire posted their latest mock draft for the 2021 NFL draft and it predicts seven Alabama players will be drafted in the first round.

Here’s where those players are projected to land:

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Najee Harris

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Alabama running back could possibly join an offense that currently houses elite talent including Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Mike Evans. Tampa’s expected starting running back for 2020 is Ronald Jones II. Their backfield definitely needs the addition of someone special, like Harris, in order to help the passing game.

23. Green Bay Packers – Jaylen Waddle

Jaylen Waddle
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Waddle is a player that is set to be a serious offensive leader for the 2020 college football season. His speed, elusiveness and incredible route running abilities could make him a star in his rookie season. The Packers seem to be moving away from Aaron Rodgers and toward the Jordan Love Era. Will Jaylen Waddle be Love’s first offensive addition through the draft?

Next … a key defensive player

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DeVonta Smith named Walter Camp preseason 1st team All-American

On Thursday, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was named to Walter Camp’s preseason All-American list. 

On Thursday, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was named to Walter Camp’s preseason All-American list.

Devonta Smith recorded an impressive 68 receptions for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns, one of which sparked a second-half comeback against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl last season.

Jan 7, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass against Clemson Tigers cornerback A.J. Terrell (8) during the third quarter during the 2019 College Football Playoff Championship game at Levi’s Stadium. Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Smith split reps with Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy, both of which were first-round draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. This has the potential to be Smith’s best season yet.

Alabama also had five players named to Walter Camp’s second-team preseason All-Americans list as well: running back Najee Harris, linebacker Dylan Moses, cornerback Patrick Surtain, left tackle Alex Leatherwood, and kick returner/wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

Alabama’s six total players named to both the first and second team All-American lists were the most of any school.

Here are the full lists of the  2020 Walter Camp preseason All-America Teams

First Team Offense

WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU

WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama

TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

OL Penei Sewell, Oregon

OL Cole Van Lanen, Wisconsin

OL Samuel Cosmi, Texas

OL Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

OL Wyatt Davis, Ohio State

QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

RB Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State

RB Travis Etienne, Clemson

PK Keith Duncan, Iowa

First Team Defense

DL Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon 6-5

DL Gregory Rousseau, Miami Fla.

DL Marvin Wilson, Florida State

DL Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh

LB Micah Parsons, Penn State

LB Hamilcar Rashed, Oregon State

LB Carlton Martial, Troy

DB Shaun Jolly, Appalachian State

DB Jevon Holland, Oregon

DB Elijah Molden, Washington

DB Derek Stingley, LSU

P Max Duffy, Kentucky

KR Rondale Moore, Purdue

Second Team Offense

WR Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State

WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State

OL Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

OL Walker Little, Stanford

OL Trey Smith, Tennessee

OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

OL Nolan Laufenberg, Air Force

QB Justin Fields, Ohio State

RB Jaret Patterson, Buffalo

RB Najee Harris, Alabama

PK Matt Trickett, Kent State

Second Team Defense

DL Chris Rumph II, Duke

DL Levi Onwuzurike, Washington

DL Carlos Basham, Wake Forest

DL Quincy Roche, Miami (FL)

LB Nick Bolton, Missouri

LB Dylan Moses, Alabama

LB Paddy Fisher, Northwestern

DB Paulson Adebo, Stanford

DB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

DB Trevon Moehrig, TCU

DB Shaun Wade, Ohio State

P Trenton Gill, North Carolina State

KR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

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Way-too-early 2-round 2021 mock sends Bills WR, CB

Buffalo Bills in Draft Wire’s way-too-early 2021 NFL mock draft.

While we’re still way-too-far away from doing a massive breakdown of the 2021 NFL Draft, our friends at Draft Wire decided to do so anyway.

They went the extra mile, too.

Not only is there a Round 1 mock, there’s two rounds in this one for us to unpack for the Bills. Using the latest Super Bowl odds to peg the draft order, the Bills select playmakers for both sides of the ball.

At No. 19 overall, Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith is picked by Buffalo and then in the second round, then at pick No. 51, Oregon cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is selected.

In Smith, the Bills would add a potential strong complement for Stefon Diggs over the course of the next few seasons. Smith, a 6-foot-1 target, can stand to add size, but he’s a confident player in traffic with good hands. In 2019, Smith had 68 catches for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns for Alabama.

While some top stats right there, Smith could shoot up draft boards in 2021 after two of his teammates, Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy, both moved onto the NFL via the 2020 draft. More targets for Smith could be en route.

With Smith, the Bills could eventually be adding a replacement for a few veterans on their roster as well with Cole Beasley and John Brown already over 30 yards old. But interestingly, the Bills did add Gabriel Davis and Isaiah Hodgins at the recent draft, so much of Smith’s potential to the Bills depends on how much those two show as rookies.

In Lenoir, the Bills would add a player that might need to improve his zone coverage skills for Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme, but he’s shown an ability to find the ball during his college career thus far, notching five picks and 21 passes defended in three seasons. He also has solid defensive back size at 5-foot-11.

While the Bills currently have Levi Wallace, Josh Norman and EJ Gaines across from Tre’Davious White, Buffalo might move on from all three by next season.

 

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6 Alabama players listed in Athlon Sports’ Top-50 for 2020

Athlon Sports listed their top 50 players ahead of the 2020 college football season. Six Alabama players made the list, more than any school

Athlon Sports listed their top 50 players for the 2020 college football season, and unsurprising to many, there’s a hefty Alabama presence.

The Crimson Tide, who are set to begin the season ranked No. 2 in the nation, according to the preseason AP poll, are no strangers to having a star studded roster that makes national headlines.

However, as Nick Saban and Co. enter their first season with a quarterback not named Tua Tagovailoa or Jalen hurts in the last four years, many are interested which players remain that can garner a lot of attention.

Alabama has the most amount of players on the list with six. Here’s where they rank:

30. Jaylen Waddle, WR

Jaylen Waddle
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Waddle is one of two wide receivers remaining from Alabama’s elite squad of wide receivers – the two that entered the NFL draft were the first two receivers selected in the first round. Waddle is expected to also be a first round pick, but more importantly, is expected to be a leader on the 2020 Crimson Tide offense.

20. Patrick Surtain, CB

Patrick Surtain
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

In 2019 Surtain recorded 42 tackles and two interceptions. He is also a member of this Alabama team that is a potential first-round pick. Surtain will be a name to watch throughout the season as a leader in the Alabama secondary.

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WATCH: Bryce Young trains with Alabama receivers before official practices begin

Alabama’s five-star true freshman quarterback Bryce Young is seen training with Alabama WRs days before official training is set to begin.

It was recently reported that SEC football players would be allowed back on campus to train with staff beginning June, 8.

However, that may be too long to wait for some of the Crimson Tide’s 2020 squad.

A few videos were posted online which showed numerous Alabama players, including quarterbacks throwing, receivers running routes and catching passes and defensive backs getting some one-on-one work in on the field where the Million Dollar Band practices on University Blvd. on campus.

The videos are from a trainer that is not affiliated with Alabama, Ro Simon Jr..

This video shows receivers DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Slade Bolden, John Metchie, Javon Baker, Xavier Williams and defensive back Marcus Banks.

Another video shows Alabama’s five-star true freshman quarterback Bryce young passing to Jaylen Waddle.

Waddle had to jump to catch the pass, but got both feet down in the end zone which would make this an NFL touchdown.

Mac Jones can be seen in the background wearing his shoulder pads with shorts and no jersey.

These are not official practices, but it should feel good for Alabama fans knowing their players want to be out there perfecting their craft.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Alabama football as the season gets closer.

Latest 2021 NFL mock draft has 5 Alabama players in first round

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicts five Alabama players will be drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Sure, the 2020 NFL draft concluded under a month ago, but you can never be too prepared for next year. Right?

Way-too-early mock drafts may not be entirely accurate when looking at who the picks actually are when the draft actually takes place. However, these mock drafts do give us an idea of who to watch out for in the 2020 college football season, or even a guide for fans looking to expand their knowledge of players outside of their fanbase.

There is another reason for these mock drafts, and that’s to see how many players from your favorite team could be a potential first-round draft pick.

Alabama fans, you’re in for a treat as Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicts five current members of the Crimson Tide will be selected in the first round.

Let’s see the projected landing spots of those five players according to Knox:

22. Indianapolis Colts – LaBryan Ray, DL

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

LaBryan Ray is a name that Alabama fans heard more of in 2019, but may not be all too familiar with quite yet. Expect Ray to big a big presence physically and as a leader on the defensive line in 2020.

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Comparing Tua Tagovailoa’s WRs: Alabama vs. Miami Dolphins

Former Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa will play with a new set of WRs for the Miami Dolphins, but where do they stack up to what he’s used to?

When the Miami Dolphins selected former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft he was the only Crimson Tide product on the team. This would be the case for 51 more picks until the Dolphins drafted former Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis.

Davis being on defense won’t help Tua out as much when he’s on the field. He will be playing with an entire new set of teammates, including a brand new offensive line, new running backs and a new tight end.

Most importantly, he will be playing with different wide receivers.

While at Alabama, he had Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle to throw pass to. He’s now unfamiliar with his new cast.

Let’s take a look at how Tua’s new receivers compare to the receivers he was used to slinging touchdown passes to while at Alabama.

DeVante Parker – Jerry Jeudy

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jeudy size:

Height: 6-1, Weight: 193

Parker size:

Height: 6-3, Weight: 216

Jerry Jeudy was the lead man for Tua’s wide receiver corps. He was the 2018 Biletnikoff award recipient, the largest starting receiver for the Crimson Tide and leader of many categories.

Long story short, he was Tua’s go-to guy.

Now without Jeudy, he will turn his attention to the Dolphin’s lead receiver, DeVante Parker. Parker is the longest-tenured starting receiver for Miami. The Louisville product was Miami’s first-round draft choice in 2015.

Parker and Jeudy have the leadership quality in common, but what else?

Jeudy was known for his flashy, elusive moves after the catch to help extend plays. Parker is similar in the sense that while he may not be as nimble as Jeudy, his heavier build often times makes him the stronger man in a battle with a defensive back.

Much like how Jeudy was for Tua, Parker is expected to be the “safe option” for the former Alabama quarterback. A pass to him, regardless of yardage, can likely be turned into something greater than most expected it to be.

Next … the low key receiver

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Latest 2021 NFL mock draft has 6 Alabama players drafted in 1st round

According to the latest mock draft by CBS Sports, there are 6 Alabama platers being predicted to be drafted in the first round.

The 2020 college football season may not have even started but conversations regarding the 2021 NFL Draft have been happening since the 2020 NFL Draft ended. According to the latest mock draft by CBS Sports, there are 6 Alabama platers being predicted to be drafted in the first round.

This past draft, Alabama had four players drafted in the first round. Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa was drafted by Miami as the fifth pick, Jedrick Wills Jr. was drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the 10th pick, Henry Ruggs III was drafted as the 12th pick by the Las Vegas Raiders and Jerry Jeudy was the last Alabama player taken off the board in the first round as the 15th pick to the Denver Broncos.

Could Alabama beat that next year and have six players drafted in the first round? Time will tell, but let’s see which six players CBS Sports has being drafted, and where:

9. Miami Dolphins — WR Devonta Smith, Alabama

DeVonta Smith
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) breaks free for a touchdown against Texas A&M at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas on Saturday October 12, 2019. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser

“Smith was overshadowed a bit by Alabama’s first-round receivers. With a larger platform this season, there will be no denying his talent. Smith should cement himself as a first-round talent.”

Just imagine: Devonta Smith and Tua Tagovailoa on the same team again. That would be INCREDIBLE to witness in the NFL. Last season, Smith was splitting reps with Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy, both of which were first-round draft picks. Even while splitting reps with Jeudy and Ruggs, Smith still recorded an impressive 68 receptions for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns, one of which sparked a second-half comeback against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl. This season will be Smith’s best. Just wait.

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3 Alabama seniors listed as top-50 draft prospects

Hall of Fame NFL executive Gil Brandt listed his top-50 seniors in college football as we look ahead to the 2021 NFL draft.

Former Vice President of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys Gil Brandt took to Twitter to post a series of tweets listing his top-50 senior prospects for the 2021 NFL draft.

Football fans all across the country began looking into the 2021 draft as soon as the 2020 draft concluded. Brandt hopped on that bandwagon, not by making a mock draft, but by listing of seniors, who he feels will shine in the upcoming college football season, into the spotlight.

In Brandt’s list, three Alabama seniors get their name called.

Senior offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood made the list as one of two SEC linemen. Leatherwood decided to return for his senior season instead of joining Jedrick Wills by entering the NFL draft.

There is only one SEC wide receiver listed and that is Alabama’s DeVonta Smith. Smith decided to return to Alabama for his senior season, it was unclear whether he would be a first-round draft choice or not. He will headline the Alabama wide receiver corps alongside junior Jaylen Waddle.

The last member of the Crimson Tide to be named in Brandt’s top-50 is running back Najee Harris. Much like Leatherwood and Smith, Harris could have entered the NFL draft, but chose to wait one more year. Harris is one of three SEC running backs, the other two being Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill and Missouri’s Larry Rountree III.

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