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NFL Draft Projections for Bama Players Outside of the 1st Round – The Sports Cast
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NFL Draft Projections for Bama Players Outside of the 1st Round

Justin Riley

By now, you are already familiar with Alabama’s prospects who are seemingly destined for first round selections of the 2020 NFL Draft. Names like Tagovailoa, Jeudy, Ruggs, Wills, Diggs, McKinney have shown up in various mock drafts at different selections. What about the other Crimson Tide stars who are vying for NFL stardom? There are several of Nick Saban’s former players who will make a great impact at the next level. Let’s take a look at each player, what round they may be selected in, who they compare to, and what city they are destined to make their new home.

Terrell Lewis:

At 6’5 262lbs, Lewis is an absolute physical and athletic specimen. Mel Kiper currently has him rated as the 4th best OLB/EDGE. Terrell is extremely explosive coming out of his stance. He has the ability to jab a blocker with authority and keep them at bay whenever he wants. When he’s done toying with his assailants, coupled with a dangerous spin move, Lewis can slap & clear his way out of the attempted block. The only reason why analysts don’t have him coming off the board in the 1st round is due to having significant injury concerns 2 out of 3 seasons spent with the Crimson Tide.

The need for Lewis’ services have been projected to multiple teams. Atlanta greatly needs a boost up front and Minnesota needs to make up for Everson Griffin’s departure. One team stands out the most though. The Baltimore Ravens’ pass rush is one of the glaring reasons why they did not make it to the Super Bowl. They have seen promise from both Jaylon Ferguson and Tyus Bowser. However, neither have been consistent enough to warrant confidence. Plus, Judon’s future after next season is up in the air. Terrell Lewis is a menacing pass rusher from the edge that could greatly satisfy Baltimore’s need.

Projection: 2nd round

NFL Comparison: Frank Clark

Teams: Ravens, Falcons, Vikings, Lions

Raekwon Davis:

Had this been the 2018 NFL Draft, Davis would have been selected in the top 10. During his brilliant sophomore campaign, he had 10 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. However, his performance would suffer a drop off during his final two season in Tuscaloosa. In 2018 & 2019, he had 8.5 tackles for loss with 2 sacks combined. The unfortunate assessment is that Davis doesn’t offer much in terms of pass rush potential, doesn’t locate the ball effectively, and can be worn down at times.

However, there are still many evaluators who feel that he has a tremendous upside; especially with his rare length and mass. He has a long wingspan that can close passing lanes. Davis also sets the edge well against the run and can shut down gaps by himself. Many see him as a quality starter as either a 3-tech or 5-tech defensive lineman.

Projection: 3rd round

NFL Comparison: DeForrest Buckner

Teams: Cowboys, Lions, Patriots

Anfernee Jennings:

One of the biggest attributes that Jennings possesses is his brute strength. It’s caught the attention of scouts across the board. With this strength comes a great “pop” with his hands that instantly disengages any lineman trying to block him. Anfernee is very difficult to move vertically and almost always has the upper hand. When he’s not getting to the quarterback, he’s very disruptive in throwing lanes. At any given moment, Jennings is swatting down balls foolishly thrown his way.

Some see him being a great fit with the Detroit Lions. The Crimson Tide’s run scheme translates well with the overall objective Matt Patricia wants from his front seven. The Lions allowed the most passing yards in the league and also had the fewest picks. A disruptive force up front like Anfernee Jennings is just what they need. If they were to make this move, Detroit also greatly benefits by reuniting the Tide star with his former coach Bo Davis. There’s familiarity there and Jennings won’t have any growing pains.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

NFL Comparison: Kyle Van Noy

Team: Detroit Lions

Jared Mayden:

Mayden has great versatility and can play virtually any position at the backend of the defense. The Saban pupil has uncanny anticipation and great recognition. Scouts love his physicality. He attacks downhill and is strong at filling alleys of the run game. His willingness to deliver the “big blow” while sacrificing his body is another huge plus in the minds of decision makers. One of his biggest strengths has been his ability to communicate and by doing so, be an effective leader. Mayden plays with sound technique and excels in fundamentals. These qualities and being a real student of the game have caught the interest of those seeking his employment.

https://twitter.com/maydenii/status/1243981663148945408?s=21

Projection: 3rd round

NFL Comparison: Terrell Edmunds

Teams: Texans, Giants

Shyheim Carter:

Much like any defensive back who’s played under Nick Saban, Carter is a very versatile guy. He can play split safety, free safety, and nickel. Scouts feel like he needs to put on some size at the next level to be a significant contributor. They also believe that he plays with too much tightness in his hips and tends to make transitions too slowly. He often takes inconsistent angles to ball carriers, but don’t let that fool you. Shyheim Carter is not afraid to hit anyone. He brings a very physical style of play to the field that is often lacking in today’s game with someone at his position. Coaches love his instincts, ability to gain depth, and keep would-be-pass- catchers in a limited window. In addition, Carter is very aggressive downfield and can be very disruptive. As a matter of fact, in 2018, he took 2 interceptions to the house.

Shyheim Carter would be a great fit at nickelback for the New York Giants, who need help desperately at that position. In the past 2 seasons, Grant Haley has allowed 62 out of 76 passes to be completed for 708 yards and 5 touchdowns. He would eventually lose his starting position to rookie Corey Ballentine. However, Ballentine is not the answer either.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

NFL Comparison: Eddie Jackson

Teams: Giants, Texans, Seahawks

Matt Womack:

The versatile 6’7 326lb offensive lineman met with a lot of adversity during his career with the Crimson Tide. Womack started at right tackle in 2017, but relinquished that position in 2018 due to suffering a foot injury. The ironic side of that is he conceded his duties to none other than Jedrick Wills. He made the moved to right guard, but still played in a limited role.

Womack is a team player with great work ethic. That can carry a lot of weight despite his unfortunate circumstances. Although he played sparingly his last 2 seasons, he has plenty of tape and is known as an excellent run blocker. During his mock pro day, he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.0 seconds and pounded out 26 reps with 225lbs on benchpress.

Projection: 6th round

Teams: Giants, Cardinals, Ravens

Regardless of where each player lands, one thing is for certain. Alabama will more than likely dominate the amount of selections in the NFL Draft yet again. This should come as no shock. The Crimson Tide currently lead all schools with the most players on NFL rosters. Based on the projections for this edition of the draft, it doesn’t look as though that will be changing anytime soon. The fun part will be is seeing where they’ll land.

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