The Alabama Draft Prospects 2022 is a loaded slate. All the way through the lineup are studs just waiting to be plucked for the NFL.

Evan Neal

OT – Junior
6ft7 – 350lbs
High School – IMG (FL)
Recruit – 5 Star

Alabama’s offensive line has had problems blocking for Heisman winner Bryce Young all season. But up against the best defence in the country in Georgia, the Tide O-line, led by Neal, dominated the trenches. Neal dropped 10lbs for the 2021 season and the improvement in his athleticism and explosiveness showed. His superior arm length to most D-linemen is a gold-dust type of trait, and that’s on top of his ability to move like a man 50lbs lighter. He was the best run blocker in the nation and on the left side of the line he has everything to become a perennial pro-bowl selection. His combination of size, height, strength and intelligent play at the position make him a top 3 overall player in this draft, let alone at offensive tackle. Neal leads the way for The Alabama Draft Prospects 2022.

Prediction – top 10 pick

Jameson Williams

WR – Junior
6ft2 – 189lbs
High School – Cardinal Ritter Prep (MO)
Recruit – 4 Star

Jameson Williams transferred to Tuscaloosa in the offseason, citing a packed Ohio State WR room and little opportunity. Nick Saban immediately saw what Ryan Day didn’t and unleashed Williams on the SEC, recording 68 receptions for 1445 yards and 15 scores, averaging 21.6 yards per catch. A true deep threat with track speed, Williams regularly took the top off defences, most notably Georgia in the SEC championship. He’s had a few concentration drops but otherwise has solid hands. His raw athleticism and ability to beat the best corners CFB has to offer will have NFL scouts salivating.

Prediction – 1st round

Jordan Battle

S – Junior
6ft1 210lbs
High School – St Thomas Aquinas (FL)
Recruit – 4 Star

Battle has made huge strides in his progression as a player at Alabama, culminating in a great junior season and a PFF grade of 87.3, up from 66.0 as a true freshman. He lacks the earth-shattering hitting power that other safeties possess, but he reads the QB with ease and reacts well in coverage with strong awareness of the field and the players around him.

He’s a coverage demon with QB’s only averaging 25.9 QB rating when targeting him. He has room for improvement in open field tackling but he’s a natural leader and possesses an extremely high football IQ as well as raw speed and fluidity to stay with receivers on deep routes. He also regularly blows up smaller players with big hits and has clever hand fighting technique that rarely draws flags.

Prediction – 2nd Round

John Metchie III

WR – Junior
6ft – 195lbs
High School – The Peddie School (NJ)
Recruit – 4 Star

John Metchie III only claimed a full time starting position on the Alabama offence this year, previously competing with the likes of Devonta Smith, Jalen Waddle and Henry Ruggs. Even with those guys in the room he racked up 916-6 in 2020, taking the next step in 2021 with 1045 yards and seven scores. He would have had more had injury not ended his season.

The concerns about Metchie are his size and physicality with a worry he’ll get bullied by physical press coverage corners and struggle in contested catch situations. However, his elite agility, balance and hands should draw some eyes from scouts at the top end of the draft. His elusivity is elite and the ability he has to suddenly change direction in an explosive way will constantly create space in the NFL. Metchie could be the steal of the Alabama Draft Prospects 2022.

Prediction – 3rd/4th round

Christian Harris

LB – Junior
6ft2 – 232lbs
High School – University Lab (LA)
Recruit – 4 Star

Harris arrived in Tuscaloosa weighing 244lbs, now at 232lbs and one of the most athletic LB’s in this class, his development has been clear for all to see. His speed and flexibility make him a constant threat chasing down the edge and covering off plays designed to stretch the defence. He gets pressure on the inside with his quickness and explosiveness and was often too much for college guards to deal with.

He is slightly inefficient with his angles and relies too much on his natural speed to close gaps which he won’t be able to do in the NFL. Improving angles and his ability to get off blocks are points to address but his ability to attack the edge, rush inside and hit hard whilst covering sideline-to-sideline make him a fantastic raw prospect at the position.

Prediction – 2nd round

Henry To’oTo’o

LB – Junior
6ft2 – 228lbs
High School – De La Salle (CA)
Recruit – 4 Star

Originally one of the standout players on the Tennessee roster that went 3-7 in 2020, Henry To’oTo’o transferred to Tuscaloosa in search of a path to the NFL. Under Saban and Pete Golding, To’oTo’o has become one of the best LBs on the team, recording 140 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He has a lot of improving to do as a prospect but shows raw talent and ability at the position.

To’oTo’o often takes bad angles to the ball and can be easily baited into fakes that have left him out of position a few times this season. He also struggles to rush the passes and with his athletic numbers he shouldn’t struggle in this area. However, he is a great coverage LB and possesses enough speed and quickness in short spaces to stay with receivers in man coverage. He also limits receiver YAC ability and has great timing, often being under a pass before the receiver gets there. He’s a leader on the Tide defence and he has the intelligence, quickness and fluidity to become a great MIKE LB.

Prediction – 3rd round

Phidarian Mathis

6ft4 – 312lbs
DT – Senior
High School – Neville (CA)
Recruit – 4 Star

From the interior of the defensive line, Mathis recorded 46 tackles (16 solo), one forced fumble and eight sacks in 2021, anchoring the Tide defensive line throughout the season. A senior in Tuscaloosa, with most draft eligible players leaving in their junior season, Mathis brings maturity and a ridiculous work ethic to whatever team he joins. He will need to improve in a few areas: he has average hand-fighting technique and isn’t able to make a violent impact or shed tough blocks. His arm length also compounds this issue. Mathis also struggles to make a consistent impact as a pass rusher.

Whilst he can break through the line with power and explosiveness, his inconsistent speed and weakness in reading and reacting in the moment hurt his pass rush potential. Mathis was a high school wrestling champion. Showing incredible balance and ability to leverage. All despite lacking the traditional bulk of an interior defensive lineman. He rarely goes to the floor. Mathis also has the bull-rush type speed and size that consistently gets home when QB’s leave the pocket. He got most penetration when playing three technique and will probably be used in packaged situations early in his NFL career.

Prediction – 4th round

Jake Self @Dynastybrit