The Alabama Crimson Tide could have two of the top three players drafted overall in the 2023 NFL Draft as Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. vie for the right to be the first taken overall. Who else from Alabama headlines the 2023 NFL Mock Draft circuit, and who could hear their names called later this month?
Alabama Draft Prospects: Which Crimson Tide Players Should Be Selected in the 2023 NFL Draft?
While Young and Anderson headline the group, there is a treasure trove of former Crimson Tide athletes that should hear their names called in the 2023 NFL Draft.
- Bryce Young, Quarterback
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Running back
- Cameron Latu, Tight end
- Tyler Steen, Offensive tackle
- Emil Ekiyor Jr., Offensive guard
- Kendall Randolph, Offensive guard
- Byron Young, Defensive tackle
- DJ Dale, Defensive tackle
- Will Anderson Jr., Edge rusher
- Henry To’o To’o, Linebacker
- Eli Ricks, Cornerback
- Brian Branch, Safety
- Jordan Battle, Safety
- DeMarcco Hellams, Safety
Bryce Young, Quarterback (2020-2022)
One of the most prolific quarterbacks in college football history, Bryce Young won a Heisman Trophy in 2021 after setting Alabama records for passing yards and passing touchdowns. Young is the only Alabama quarterback in history to have back-to-back 3,000-yard seasons and is second in program history in career yards.
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All his accolades aside, Young became known for his master class in creativity every Saturday, raising his place among the sport’s best quarterbacks of all time every outing. He now battles with Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud to be the first quarterback taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Likely drafted position: Round 1, first three picks
Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back (2022; 2020-2021, Georgia Tech)
In line to play a major role in the NFL immediately, Jahmyr Gibbs exploded onto the scene nationally in his lone season at Alabama. The former Georgia Tech running back made a name for himself with the Yellow Jackets by averaging well over 5.0 yards per carry, but he asserted himself as a candidate to be a first-round pick with his efforts in Tuscaloosa in 2022.
Likely drafted position: Rounds 1-2, picks 25-40
Cameron Latu, Tight End (2018-2022)
One of the hardest-working players on the entire team, Cameron Latu rebounded in seemingly every season with the Crimson Tide. His efforts in the pass-catching realm as well as his downfield blocking will absolutely see him drafted, and it’s only a matter of time before he outworks a current NFL tight end for a role in the pros.
Likely drafted position: Day 2 or 3, rounds 3-4
Tyler Steen, Offensive Tackle (2022; 2018-2021, Vanderbilt)
Arguably one of the biggest players to stay under the radar this offseason, Tyler Steen made his presence felt at the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl. But Steen made his presence felt for the Crimson Tide as early as Week 1 after transferring in from Vanderbilt. The big man on the left side was a second-team All-SEC performer and has great instincts, balance, and strength.
Likely drafted position: Day 3, round 4
Emil Ekiyor Jr., Offensive Guard (2018-2022)
Emil Ekiyor Jr. was once seen as a lock to be the first offensive guard drafted. While that lock isn’t as tight anymore, Ekiyor is still going to hear his name called earlier than most expect, as he’s one of the more refined guar prospects in the class. The big man in the middle earned multiple All-SEC awards following the season and has a wealth of experience.
Likely drafted position: Day 3, round 4
Kendall Randolph, Offensive Guard (2017-2022)
Though you likely won’t hear Kendall Randolph’s name called in the 2023 NFL Draft, you better believe he’s on the radar of some NFL teams. He has the versatility to line up at multiple spots along the offensive line and could find a role as a plug-and-play swing tackle or interior blocker at the next level.
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Likely drafted position: Undrafted, free agent
Byron Young, Defensive Tackle (2019-2022)
Don’t confuse him with Tennessee’s Byron Young, as this big man from Mississippi is ready to forge his own path in the NFL. Alabama’s Byron Young burst onto the scene in 2022 but had been a terrific contributor for the Crimson Tide since 2019. He’s a three-down disruptor and should hear his name called on Day 3.
Likely drafted position: Day 3, rounds 5-7
DJ Dale, Defensive Tackle (2019-2022)
Playing second fiddle to no man on the Crimson Tide defensive line, DJ Dale is likely a player that needs the right scheme fit at the next level to make his best impact. A dominant run defender, Dale was at his best when he was tasked with stuffing rushing lanes for the Crimson Tide. He’ll be a free agent signing shortly after the draft if he isn’t selected.
Likely drafted position: Undrafted, priority free agent
Will Anderson Jr., EDGE Defender (2020-2022)
Arguably the best player in the entire 2023 NFL Draft, some NFL team is likely getting a steal when it comes to Will Anderson Jr. Due to the demand for quarterbacks, Anderson is set to go under-drafted, as he’s likely the only player in this class worthy of being taken first overall in 2023 (as he would’ve been in 2022).
Likely drafted position: First round, top three picks
Henry To’oTo’o, Linebacker (2021-2022; 2019-2020, Tennessee)
Making a name for himself in his two seasons at Alabama, Henry To’oTo’o came to Tuscaloosa with high expectations. He’s a terrific sideline-to-sideline linebacker with a three-down skill set. He’s in the running to be one of the first linebackers drafted on the second day.
Likely drafted position: Day 2/3, rounds 3-4
Eli Ricks, Cornerback (2022; 2020-2021, LSU)
It took some time for Eli Ricks to ascend after he didn’t begin the season as the starter for Alabama. The former LSU defensive back has a strong recruiting profile to live up to, and though he didn’t quite reach expectations with the Tigers or the Crimson Tide, he’ll have a high NFL ceiling if he lands in the right situation.
Likely drafted position: Day 2, rounds 2-3
Brian Branch, Safety (2020-2022)
Every bit of an elite safety, Brian Branch possesses the next-level skill set that a starting safety needs. He’s a three-down, tackling machine with elite coverage prowess, but his instincts separate him from the rest of the safety class. Branch will likely be the first safety selected.
Likely drafted position: First round, first 16 picks
Jordan Battle, Safety (2019-2022)
After landing a starting safety spot as a sophomore, Jordan Battle surprised some by returning for his senior season in 2022. He earned All-American honors in his final season and multiple All-SEC honors in the process, ending what became a terrific and noble collegiate career. His coverage ability will see him drafted early on Day 2.
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Likely drafted position: Day 2, rounds 2-3
DeMarcco Hellams, Safety (2019-2022)
Likely the third safety to hear his name called from Alabama, DeMarcco Hellams has flown under the radar this offseason. Hellams had a great collegiate career and presents a unique player for whom to find a home in the NFL. After leading the Crimson Tide and ranking sixth in the SEC in tackles, it’s clear he has a future in the NFL.
Likely drafted position: Day 3, rounds 5-6
