Two Alabama players listed as UDFAs likely to make their respective NFL teams’ rosters

See where these two undrafted Alabama players are expected to make the roster!

The NFL draft unfortunately didn’t go as planned for both Alabama DT [autotag]LaBryan Ray[/autotag] and EDGE [autotag]Christopher Allen[/autotag] as neither heard their names announced during the three day event in Las Vegas. However, the good news for these two is that over 30% of the NFL is un-drafted free agents.

The 33rd Team, which is a website ran by Mike Tannenbaum and Joe Banner, published an article discussing which un-drafted player from each of the 32 NFL teams is most likely to make their respective team. Tannenbaum is the former GM of the New York Jets and Banner was formerly the Philadelphia Eagles President and Cleveland Browns CEO, so it is safe to say that these two are about as credible as it gets.

The New England Patriots chose Ray due to the Patriots high rotation in defensive linemen and a need for depth. It is also well known that Nick Saban and Bill Belichick have a great relationship and he trusts the players coming out of Tuscaloosa.

As for the Denver Broncos they went with Allen as they have a need for a rusher coming off the edge. The Broncos did sign Randy Gregory from the Cowboys as well as using a second round pick on the position, but when trying to replace a guy like Von Miller it is important to have all options available.

For both of these Alabama guys to be recognized by such reputable members of the media should speak volumes.

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Alabama Morning Drive: 2022 NFL draft recap

The latest news and notes involving the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday morning.

Good Monday morning ladies and gentlemen! I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready to get another work week started.

It was a busy weekend across the sports world. The 2022 NFL draft stole the headlines and once again [autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag] and Alabama were well represented.

In this edition of Alabama Morning Drive, we are going to take a look at each former member of the Crimson Tide that was drafted and where they are headed. We will also look at those who went undrafted but would sign as undrafted free agents.

Let’s just get right to it!

First…the undrafted…

NFL Draft Diamonds has 11 former Tide players in latest 2022 NFL draft big board

Here is where NFL Draft Diamonds has these 11 former Alabama stars ranked on its big board.

We are less than six weeks away from the 2022 NFL draft and mock drafts and big boards are now being updated almost daily. Nick Saban’s recruiting success at Alabama has not only brought several championships to Tuscaloosa, but it has also made the NFL draft an event that all Tide fans are tuned in to.

NFL Draft Diamonds recently updated its 2022 NFL draft big board and a total of 11 former Crimson Tide players landed inside the top 350.

Let’s take a look at which former Alabama stars landed on the list and where they are ranked.

DRAFT STOCK: LaBryan Ray could move up draft boards with a strong combine performance

This former Alabama defensive lineman can continue to rise up the draft boards with a strong performance at the NFL combine

One of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2022 NFL draft is former Alabama defensive lineman LaBryan Ray. And it has very little to do with the fact that Ray played in Tuscaloosa. It has more to do with the fact that Ray never lived up to his five-star billing out of high school due to several injuries throughout his collegiate career.

In most mock drafts, Ray is going as either a late-round selection or undrafted free agent. Recently, our friends over at Eagles Wire put out their 2022 NFL team mock draft and they have the Eagles selecting Ray with one of their fifth-round selections.

Ray is a prospect whose best football could be ahead of him if he can stay healthy.

The former Alabama standout will be participating in the NFL combine later this week and could improve his draft stock with a strong showing.

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Former Alabama DL LaBryan Ray set to play in East-West Shrine Bowl

Alabama DL LaBryan Ray accepts an invite to a collegiate all-star game.

Former Alabama defensive lineman LaBryan Ray has accepted an invitation to compete in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is a college football all-star game for draft-eligible players and has been played annually since 1925.

To say that Ray went through a lot in his time at Alabama would be a massive understatement. Ray came to Tuscaloosa as a highly touted five-star prospect back in 2017, but never really lived up to expectations because of the number of injuries he suffered.

Ray ended his injury-riddled Tide career with 76 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and one forced fumble.

You can catch Ray in the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl when it takes place on Thursday, Feb. 3, in Las Vegas. It will kick off at 5:00 p.m. CT on NFL Network.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Crimson Tide!

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5 Alabama players who could impact the Iron Bowl

5 Alabama players who could impact the Iron Bowl!

It’s hard to believe that we have made it to the last week of the regular season in college football. Like most seasons, it has completely flown by and we are all wondering where the time went.

On the more optimistic side, the last week of the season generally renews some of the nation’s most intense rivalries. Maybe the most intense of all is the annual matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers, in a contest known as the Iron Bowl.

With kickoff just a few short hours away, I thought we could take a look at five Alabama players who could make an impact on the outcome of the game. This week I am doing things a little differently. My list will not include the likes of Bryce Young or Will Anderson Jr., not because they won’t be impactful, but those guys are obvious choices and I wanted to dig a little deeper!

Let’s get started!

Alabama Football: Gameday injury report vs Ole Miss

Alabama has a few guys that have suffered injuries. Ole Miss is missing a big piece of their offense. Check out the Gameday injury update prior to kickoff

We are a mere hours away from kickoff of the 69th edition of Alabama vs. Ole Miss. The last iteration of this matchup ended with an Alabama victory in Oxford by a score of 63-48.

This game should prove to be an intense matchup, and we will be here to cover it for you wire-to-wire as Heisman front-runners Matt Corral and Bryce Young man the QB positions.

Alabama is dealing with a few injuries as we draw closer to kickoff.

Ole Miss had a beneficial extra week to rest their guys ahead of the matchup.

Ole Miss Injuries

WR Johnathan Mingo – Out (broken foot)

Alabama injuries

Christian Allen – Out for season (foot fracture)

LaBryan Ray – Probable (groin)

Bryan Robinson – Probable (bruised ribs)

Henry To’o To’o – Will play (illness)

You can catch the game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 12 Ole Miss on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for the best up-to-the-minute coverage of Alabama sports!

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Nick Saban provides injury update heading into Ole Miss game

Nick Saban provides the latest on the injury front!

Tuscaloosa is the sight of another top 15 SEC matchup on Saturday afternoon as No. 1 Alabama and No. 12 Ole Miss face off.

Lane Kiffin will be making his return to Bryant Denny Stadium for the first time since being named the Rebels’ head coach. His team is coming off a bye week, having the opportunity to get healthy.

Alabama did not have the same advantage. Even if Southern Miss was not the best opponent, there were still 60 minutes of football to be played.

Nick Saban was able to provide injury updates on three players Wednesday morning. One of the more surprising ones was Henry To’oTo’o coming out of the Florida game.

“He was a little sick when we played down at Florida,” Saban said about the linebacker. “He played anyway. But he has played extremely well for us.”

To’oTo’o finished with nine tackles against the Gators and three last week against Southern Miss. He and Christian Harris have been an intricate part of the defense thus far.

Alabama’s pass rush could finally be back at full strength as well, with LaBryan Ray returning to near 100%.

“He’s played in the last two games and played more in each one of those games,” Saban said. “We’re very pleased with the progress that he’s making and the way that he’s playing, and I think the more he plays, the more productive that he’ll be and I think the more confident that he’ll get that he’s physically healthy as well as making strides to getting back to be the kind of player that he’s always been for us.”

The defensive lineman suffered a groin injury just before the summer ended and missed the first two games of the season.

On the offensive side of the ball, it sounds like Brian Robinson Jr. is ready to be the feature back of the offense again. After missing the Southern Miss game, Saban said Robinson Jr. would practice this week and be listed as day-to-day.

On Wednesday he confirmed the running back will be good to go for Ole Miss.

“He [Robinson Jr.] looks good and he’s practiced well, so we’re encouraged that he’ll be able to play in the game on Saturday.”

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire to stay updated with the injury situation before Saturday.

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Alabama football: Grading Alabama’s commanding win over Southern Miss

Here’s our final grade for Alabama’s commanding victory over Southern Miss!

No. 1 Alabama dominated its inferior opponent in Southern Miss on Saturday night with a 63-14 victory. Alabama was able to control all three phases of the game and provided its most complete performance of the season.

Each week we give a grade out for all three phases of the game, let’s see how the team did this week!

OFFENSE: A+

Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports

The Alabama offense, led by Bryce Young put together its most balanced performance of the season. The lack of a consistent running game through the first three games of the season had started to become a cause of concern for this team. Even though Southern Miss doesn’t have the type of players Alabama will face in the SEC, it was nice to see the offensive line open up holes for the backs and the backs make some explosive plays in the run game.

Roydell Williams led all rushers with 110 yards on 11 carries for an average of 10 yards per carry. Williams also had a run of 55 yards in the first half. Jase McClellan added another 98 yards on the ground, which included a long of 27.

Bryce Young displayed his pinpoint accuracy going 20-22 passing for 313 yards and 5 touchdowns. Junior tight end Jahleel Billingsley showed off his talents by catching 5 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown.

Alabama was able to play several young players late in the contest. True freshman quarterback Jalen Milroe was able to record his first career touchdown pass on Saturday night with a 24-yard rope to Javon Baker.

The Alabama offense seems to be finding its groove at just the right time!

DEFENSE: A-

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Like the offense, the Alabama defense put together a much-needed consistent performance. The 14 points allowed are a little more than most fans would have wanted, but the Tide defense gave up just over 200 yards to the Golden Eagles and just 3.7 yards per play.

The defensive line had its best performance of the season and some depth may have been discovered in players such as Jamil Burroughs and LaBryan Ray.

Will Anderson continues to dominate racking up three tackles for loss and one sack.

The Tide defense will need to bring its best effort next Saturday against Lane Kiffin and the high-powered Ole Miss offense.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A+

Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports

Not much to say here, Jameson Williams returned two kickoffs for a touchdown. Anytime you put points on the board from one of the special team’s units, things are going pretty well.

Nick Saban and special teams coordinator Drew Svoboda have to be pleased with the efforts of the special team units so far this season.

OVERALL: A-

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Although the opponent was not the best, the Tide delivered its most complete performance of the season. Both sides of the ball handled the line of scrimmage and the skill position players made plays.

We got a taste of how good this Alabama team could be, let’s see if they can build off this week’s performance and rise to the occasion against a talented Ole Miss team.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Crimson Tide!

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Alabama football: Injury report heading into matchup with Miami

Injury update heading into the week one matchup with the Miami Hurricanes

Alabama and Miami are set to face off inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA this Saturday in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

A common concern heading into any contest is player availability. There are a couple of injuries that need to be updated.

Senior offensive tackle Kendall Randolph injured his ankle in the first scrimmage of fall camp, but head coach Nick Saban mentioned in his press conference on Monday that Randolph was back healthy and the offensive line was intact.

The news is not quite as promising for junior safety DeMarrco Hellams. Hellams also suffered an ankle injury during fall camp and at the moment is questionable for Saturday’s game against Miami.

Finally, senior defensive lineman LaBryan Ray, who suffered a groin injury at the end of the summer, looks to be healthy and has been participating in practice.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Crimson Tide!

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on Twitter @Blackwood89.