It's been 106 days since the college football season came to a close ,and if it seems like a ridiculously long time to access players for a draft that's only because it is.
We've gotten to the point that the hype and buildup can be compared to a Hollywood blockbuster movie (No, "Draft Day" doesn't count). Finally, though, everyone will get on with it with the first round Thursday, and Mr. Irrelevant finally named on Saturday.
Recently Alabama has become the program for developing NFL talent:
• The Crimson Tide has had the most selections over the last five drafts (37), including 15 in the first round.
• During opening weekend back in September the Crimson Tide had 36 players on active rosters, which was the third most of all schools behind only Nick Saban’s former program LSU (38), and Southern California (37). For a little perspective on that, Alabama wasn’t among in the top 25 programs of players in the NFL when the coach arrived in 2007, and it didn’t have any players selected in the 2008 draft.
• Overall there were 42 former Crimson Tide players who were on an active roster or injured reserve at some point of the 2014 NFL season, tying the Trojans for the most. That number also didn’t include the five Alabama products on various practice squads.
The guess here is that eight players will hear their names called:
Amari Cooper, WR, first round
He's a top-10 talent who's good enough to go third overall, but will probably stick around for another pick or two. The Raiders make sense at No. 4, but a lot of teams won't want to take a receiver that early.
Landon Collins, S, late first round
If he slides a little it's because teams are more concerned about passing than ever. There's a lot of talk about him going 20th to the Eagles, but how good would he look with the Steelers?
T.J. Yeldon, RB, late second round
If the Cowboys don't take a running back in the first round he'd make a lot of sense. Besides, Saban said that Jason Garrett recently visited. Hmmmm ....
Arie Kouandjio, G, fourth round
You know teams have been looking very closely at his knees issues, and his brother Cyrus hasn't exactly lit it up in Buffalo. Nevertheless ... Houston would be a nice fit.
Jalston Fowler, FB, fourth/fifth round
He's the kind of player who could have a very long NFL career, but a number of teams don't use a fullback any more. There have been some reports that Tennessee is very high on him.
Xzavier Dickson, LB, fifth round
Did you know that his nine sacks led the Crimson Tide last year? Jacksonville would be an interesting destination.
Austin Shepherd, OL, sixth round
He's a character guy who who can play guard or tackle (probably guard at the NFL level). He's Green Bay's kind of guy.
DeAndrew White, WR, sixth round
He didn't appear to be as fast following his knee injury, but being a good blocker can only help entice a team like Tampa Bay.
For the Crimson Tide to break the program record three of these next four would also need to be selected.
Trey DePriest, LB
He's an interior linebacker who is clearly better against the run while most teams are looking for linebackers who can cover well. Regardless, special teams could be the key to his making a roster. (Note: Opinions appear to be all over the place on him).
Nick Perry, S
Is probably a strong safety at the next level. Only had two career interceptions, but could benefit from this being a bad year for safeties in the draft.
Blake Sims, ?
Sims will likely end up on a practice squad as an overall talent and spend the year learning a new position. Is he worth a draft pick? Maybe a compensatory pick?
Brian Vogler, TE
He's 6-7 and had a good Pro Day, which might make him a late pick. That he also played special teams helps.
Free agents: Leon Brown, Brandon Ivory, Christion Jones and Jarrick Williams
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