With just over a month until the start of the 2023 NFL Draft, every workout, team interview, and the pro day will be of great importance for NFL Draft prospects. The Alabama Crimson Tide has another set of high-caliber players that could be drafted high in the first round. Among the top prospects working out on Alabama’s Pro Day on March 23rd is quarterback Bryce Young, edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., safety Brian Branch and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Young and Anderson have the chance to be the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Branch and Gibbs are a chance to secure themselves as first-round picks. There are several other players that have the potential to rise in the Draft with a solid Pro Day performance in front of NFL scouts and coaches.
Expectations for Alabama Players in 2023 Pro Day
Bryce Young makes a convincing case for first overall pick
Young was named an early candidate for the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after a Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2021. He will have some competition for the top pick against Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis, and Florida’s Anthony Richardson, who arguably had the best performance in the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Young only weighed himself and talked to teams, but he did not participate in throwing drills. This Pro Day could make a convincing case for quarterback-needy teams like the Panthers, the Houston Texans, or the Indianapolis Colts to make the push for Young if he throws well. While Young isn’t as well-balanced as Stroud or possesses good size like Levis or Richardson, Young is incredibly athletic, has great instinct, throws on the run, and launches the ball deep. Look for Young to battle Stroud and Richardson for the top pick after Alabama’s Pro Day.
Will Anderson Jr. asserts himself as the top defender in the draft
Anderson is another player who has been making a strong statement as a top pick in the draft for several seasons. His explosiveness off the edge and his combination of speed, strength, and great athleticism make him a dream pick for NFL’s defensive coaches looking for consistency and domination. He has been battling Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter for the title of the best defender in the Draft throughout the season. Many experts believe Carter has been the more dominant player, but his recent struggles off the field and gaining nine pounds from the end of the NFL Scouting Combine to Georgia’s first Pro Day is a red flag. This is Anderson’s chance to showcase his superior athleticism and explosiveness off the edge to make himself the first defensive player off the board.
Eli Ricks looks to make a lot of noise leading to Pro Day
Among the top college football transfers going into the 2022 season is former LSU Tigers cornerback Eli Ricks. He was named a second-team All-SEC selection and a freshman All-American in the 2020 season at LSU. That year, Pro Football Focus gave Ricks an overall grade of 82.8 and a coverage grade of 85.6. After a disappointing 2021 season, Ricks looked to get a second chance at Alabama as the star cornerback. This past season, Ricks had another down season as injuries and inconsistencies caused him to play only 10 games. He only started in five of them and played only 384 snaps for Alabama. He was given an overall grade of 67.6 and coverage of 68.8 by Pro Football Focus.
Before the season, he was regarded as a first-round pick with the possibility of going into the top ten. Throughout the season, his draft stock lowered to a day-two pick. Ricks is the prospect that needs a solid performance in Alabama’s Pro Day to ensure his draft stock boosts significantly. His best tape is his freshman season at LSU and last season’s matchup versus Mississippi State. This Pro Day might be Ricks’ only chance to become a first-round pick.
Cameron Latu looks to make himself a steal
Alabama has seen some solid results from their players going in the middle rounds in previous NFL Drafts to become key contributors at the professional level. One prospect that could join that list is former linebacker converted tight end Cameron Latu. Latu finished his career catching 56 receptions for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns in his last two solid seasons. After the conclusion of 2022, Latu’s stock was around the 111th pick which is the top of the fourth round, according to NFL Mock Draft Database. Leading up to the 2023 Senior Bowl, Latu’s stock fell to the late sixth round. It rose despite not being able to finish the week with an injury. Finally, at the conclusion of the NFL Scouting Combine, his stock has risen to the late fourth round.
Latu can make himself a steal in the 2023 NFL Draft by performing efficiently on his Pro Day. He will get the chance to show his blocking ability and catching potential with Young as his quarterback. Latu has a chance to make a name for himself in a talented tight-end draft class this year.
