2024 NFL Draft Team Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide

Over the past several years, the Alabama Crimson Tide have produced one of the best college football teams in the country and consistently are in the mix for the playoffs. This year is no different as they continue to produce high-level NFL talent.

With so much talent on both sides of the ball, several eyes will be on them during every game this season. Here are the players to get to know for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

5. #3 CB Terrion Arnold

Arnold is a standout cornerback with above-average speed and agility, making him versatile in covering different types of receivers. While he has the potential to excel in man-to-man coverage, he is still refining his technique, particularly in press coverage.

Arnold shows strong ball skills, including timing his jumps in contested situations, and displays a willingness to read plays in zone coverage, though more development is needed. His tackling and run support needs improvement, particularly in open-field situations and block shedding. In terms of football IQ, Arnold demonstrates solid instincts in coverage but is still a work in progress in his route and quarterback reading. Developing situational awareness, such as recognizing offensive sets and quick reactions, will help improve his NFL Draft stock.

4. #13 CB Malachi Moore

Moore is a promising cornerback prospect known for his above-average speed and agility. He excels in man coverage due to his speed and fluid movements, making him effective at staying with receivers and breaking up passes. His excellent ball-tracking skills and understanding of zone coverage concepts contribute to his versatility in coverage.

In terms of physicality, Moore is a reliable tackler who isn’t afraid to mix it up in run support and can shed blocks. His football IQ is obvious in his ability to read routes and anticipate throws, showcasing situational awareness. While he has room to improve his press coverage skills, his overall potential as a standout cornerback will make him a highly-coveted defender in the NFL Draft.

3. #65 OT JC Latham

Latham is a highly-ranked offensive tackle with a stellar combination of physical attributes and technical skills. His impressive size and functional strength make him an ideal candidate for the offensive tackle position. In pass protection, he excels with nimble footwork, excellent hand placement, and exceptional balance, making it challenging for defenders to gain an advantage.

In run blocking, Latham is proficient in drive blocking, generating movement at the line of scrimmage, and he’s experienced at engaging linebackers at the second level. His versatility extends to executing zone-blocking schemes with lateral movement and precise positioning. Latham’s football IQ shines through his high awareness of defensive strategies, including recognizing stunts, twists, and blitzes and adjusting accordingly. His consistent and sound blocking technique in both pass protection and run blocking adds to his reliability. Latham has already been regarded as one of the top-tier offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

2. #15 EDGE Dallas Turner

Turner is an impressive EDGE NFL Draft prospect with outstanding burst and closing speed, making him a force when chasing down quarterbacks and ball carriers. His functional strength is evident, allowing him to set the edge in run defense effectively. Regarding pass-rush skills, Turner’s initial burst off the line is phenomenal, and he demonstrates advanced hand techniques to disengage from blockers. He also possesses the flexibility to bend around the edge while maintaining balance, although he could further develop his array of pass-rush moves, including counters.

Furthermore, he excels in run defense, setting the edge, forcing runners back inside, and displaying sound tackling technique. His football IQ is evident through his awareness of plays like screen passes, draws, and misdirection, although there is room for improvement in quickly diagnosing offensive sets. Overall, he is a promising prospect with a blend of size, speed, and pass-rushing skills that make him a valuable asset to any defense.

1. #1 CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

McKinstry is a natural athlete with impressive physical abilities and a basketball background. He showcases excellent speed, agility, and ball skills. He excels in soft press and can adapt to various coverage schemes. McKinstry possesses outstanding lateral agility and fluid hip movement, which allows him to excel in press-man coverage, making it difficult for receivers to get separation. He is highly competitive at the catch point and willing to contribute as a tackler in the run game.

Physically, he has an NFL-caliber athletic build, and there is room for further muscle growth, which can enhance his physicality and effectiveness on the field. In coverage, his zone awareness is impressive, and he has a knack for mirroring routes and staying step-for-step with receivers. His football IQ is evident through his instincts and strong anticipation in route reading. Additionally, he proves to be a valuable asset in the red zone, where he can disrupt plays and make quarterbacks pay for ill-timed throws.

Honorable Mention

#2 RB Jase McClellan
#7 WR Ja’Corey Brooks
#3 WR Jermaine Burton
#81 TE CJ Dippre
#56 iOL Seth McLaughlin
#50 iDL Tim Smith
#92 iDL Justin Eboigbe
#44 iDL Damon Payne Jr.
#41 EDGE Chris Braswell
#17 LB Trezmen Marshall

Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2023 Schedule

Prediction: 10-2

DATE	OPPONENT
Sat, Sep 2	vsMiddle Tennessee
Sat, Sep 9	vsTexas
Sat, Sep 16	@South Florida
Sat, Sep 23	vsOle Miss
Sat, Sep 30	@Mississippi State
Sat, Oct 7	@Texas A&M
Sat, Oct 14	vsArkansas
Sat, Oct 21	vsTennessee
Sat, Nov 4	vsLSU
Sat, Nov 11	@Kentucky
Sat, Nov 18	vsChattanooga
Sat, Nov 25	@Auburn