Despite fielding the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Alabama Crimson Tide wasn’t nearly as dominant as we’ve become accustomed to seeing in the Nick Saban era. But the SEC blue blood still possesses some outrageous talent. Let’s take a peek at Alabama’s 2024 NFL Draft prospects ahead of the season.
Notable Alabama Crimson Tide Roster and Depth Chart Changes
Roster turnover is nothing new for the Crimson Tide. Every season their top talent is plucked from NFL Draft boards, and every season the team appears ready to replace that talent with another four or five-star recruit who’s been waiting in the wings.
From a points-allowed perspective, Alabama’s defense took no steps back in 2022, but the blowup game against Tennessee threw up red flags, and a tight loss to the LSU Tigers eventually destroyed their national title hopes.
Quarterback is the main question surrounding the Crimson Tide for the first time since Jalen Hurts replaced Blake Barnett in 2016. Meanwhile, potential NFL talent is everywhere else on Alabama’s roster.
Alabama Crimson Tide NFL Draft Prospects
Ja’Corey Brooks, WR
For the first time in a long time, the Crimson Tide don’t appear to have a top prospect at wide receiver or running back. But a whole lot can change over the course of a single college season, and Ja’Corey Brooks has the pedigree of a top draft pick.
The Alabama wide receiver was one of the top WR recruits in the nation in 2019 while at the IMG Academy in Florida. He has the size and speed that teams covet on the outside.
Jermaine Burton, WR
Jermaine Burton doesn’t have the same pedigree as Brooks, but he was able to keep pace with him a season ago on the field after transferring from Georgia. Burton finished with a team-high 677 yards and second in receptions with 40, trailing only first-round running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
JC Latham, OT
Pass rushers come from everywhere these days. Very few places in football have players sticking to a side on the edges, and right tackle is no less valuable than the left side in the modern game.
JC Latham has the potential to be the first tackle off the board. He’s very large, powerful, and technical as a blocker.
Darrian Dalcourt, C/G
Darrian Dalcourt has reportedly put on a bit more size this offseason in his transition from center to guard. In 2021, Dalcourt earned the starting job at center and didn’t relinquish it a season ago.
However, injuries kept him from playing a full season. A strong season playing guard for the Crimson Tide would show versatility, which many NFL organizations covet in interior offensive linemen.
Tim Smith, DT
Defensive tackle Tim Smith won’t receive any awards. He won’t make any significant impact as a pass rusher, and he hasn’t shown the upside to become a household name on Sundays.
But like former Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, Smith could play a key role on an NFL defense on Sundays. Smith shows the ability to be an incredible run defender despite only hovering around 300 pounds, and he consistently shows tremendous effort in pursuit of the football.
Dallas Turner, EDGE
Dallas Turner was overshadowed by Will Anderson Jr. in 2022, but he will take on a more primary rushing role in 2023 as Chris Braswell likely takes the bulk of the snaps dropping into coverage. Turner has outstanding lateral agility along with an extra gear when attacking the arc. He could stand to show a bit more power in his game, but in a league continuously becoming lighter and quicker, Turner fits the bill as a first-round pass rusher.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB
Speaking of first-round players, the long-awaited draft eligibility of Kool-Aid McKinstry is upon us. And he has not disappointed. McKinstry is not Patrick Surtain, but his calm demeanor in coverage is reminiscent of the former Crimson Tide CB dominating at the NFL level.
McKinstry’s matchup against Malik Nabers showed he can play at a physical level far exceeding the norm on the outside, and his snappy closing speed and gnat-like fluidity make him a potent prospect.
Terrion Arnold, CB
Terrion Arnold reminds me of an electric vehicle. He has instant torque, which allows him to explode at a moment’s notice without lag. However, it’s also clear that he’s a young player.
Although very productive as a freshman, Arnold must learn to control his anxiety in coverage and ditch the panic button that gets him in trouble from time to time. But the young outside cornerback possesses a ton of potential.
Other Notable Names
- Malachi Moore, DB
- CJ Dippre, TE
- Justin Eboigbe, DL
- Damon Payne Jr., DL
- Chris Braswell, EDGE/LB
- Jaylen Key, S
- Kristian Story, S
- Jase McClellan, RB
Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule
- Week 1
Sept. 2 vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders - Week 2
Sept. 9 vs. Texas Longhorns - Week 3
Sept. 16 at South Florida Bulls - Week 4
Sept. 23 vs. Ole Miss Rebels - Week 5
Sept. 30 at Mississippi State Bulldogs - Week 6
Oct. 7 at Texas A&M Aggies - Week 7
Oct. 14 vs. Arkansas Razorbacks - Week 8
Oct. 21 vs. Tennessee Volunteers - Week 9
BYE - Week 10
Nov. 4 vs. LSU Tigers - Week 11
Nov. 11 at Kentucky Wildcats - Week 12
Nov. 18 vs. Chattanooga Mocs - Week 13
Nov. 25 at Auburn Tigers - Week 14
BYE - Week 15
BYE
