Alabama at the NFL Combine: DB Interviews and On-Field Workouts, Measurements for LBs/DLs

Highlights from Will Anderson Jr., DJ Dale, Henry To'oTo'o, Byron Young, Jordan Battle, Demarcco Hellams, Eli Ricks and Brian Branch Thursday at the NFL Combine.

The second full day of the NFL Combine featured player interviews for former Alabama defensive backs Jordan Battle, Demarcco Hellams, Eli Ricks and Brian Branch, plus on-field workouts and official measurements for DJ Dale, Byron Young and Will Anderson Jr. 

Here are some of the highlights from former Crimson Tide players at the combine on Thursday:

Ricks battling hamstring injury

During his media portion, Ricks told reporters that he's dealing with a hamstring injury that will keep him out of drills at the combine itself, but he plans to perform at Alabama's Pro Day March 23. 

The defensive back also revealed why it took him a little longer to get adjusted to the Alabama system after transferring in from LSU. Ricks did not get his first start until over halfway through the season against Mississippi State. 

"A lot of the calls at LSU and Bama have similar names but different meanings," he said. "It was more of the fact of unlearning for me than learning everything. That was the main reason.”

After an injury kept him out of the season early in Tuscaloosa, Ricks went on to play in 10 games with five starts. He finished the season with 13 total tackles and four pass breakups. 

At the Sugar Bowl, Ricks told reporters he had not decided whether or not he would return to Alabama for his senior season. He explained his decision Thursday to declare for the draft. 

"Basically it was just whether or not I felt ready, and whether I could benefit an NFL team or not," Ricks said. "And I feel like I could benefit an NFL team this year. And that’s really why I made the decision to declare.”\

Branch, Battle potentially teaming up with former Alabama greats

One of the top defenders on Alabama's 2022 defense was asked by reporters about the possibility of playing with some of the best former Crimson Tide defense backs in the NFL like Minkah Fitzpatrick with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Trevon Diggs with the Dallas Cowboys. 

"I feel like it would be huge to play for the Cowboys alone," Branch said. "Playing with Diggs, coming from Bama, I’ve always wanted to play with him. Seeing his growth and highlights, I looked up to him when I was at Bama."

He told reporters that he's dreamed of playing alongside Fitzpatrick. Battle was also asked about the possibility of teaming up with Fitzpatrick in Pittsburgh after confirming that he has interviewed with the Steelers and their head coach Mike Tomlin. 

"That would be perfect," Battle said. "He's a guy who I look up to— obviously one of the Bama legends. Just the way he plays the game. The range he has. The way he tackles. The versatility he has. That would be a great mentor for me."

Branch was also asked how playing at Alabama prepared him for the NFL.

"Coach Saban alone— on and off the field, he’s been a great mentor to me," Branch said. "Him and Coach [Charles] Kelly telling me to pay attention to the little details because little details can expose you in a big game. So really just putting in the hard work and being disciplined.”

Branch and Battle were third and fourth on the team respectively in tackles last season, combining for 161 total tackles. Both players had interceptions in Alabama's Sugar Bowl win over Kansas State. 

DL and LB Measurements

Will Anderson Jr. 

Height: 6'3.5" 

Weight: 253 pounds 

Arm Length: 33 7/8" 

Hand Size: 9 7/8"

Unofficial 40 time: 4.69

💨💨💨

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/oXK5e5NDs0

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) March 3, 2023

DJ Dale

Height: 6'1" 

Weight: 302 pounds 

Arm Length: 32 7/8" 

Hand Size: 9 3/4"

Henry To'oTo'o

Height: 6'1" 

Weight: 227 pounds 

Arm Length: 32 3/4" 

Hand Size: 10 1/4"

Unofficial 40 time: 4.69

Byron Young

Height: 6'3" 

Weight: 294 pounds 

Arm Length: 34 3/8" 

Hand Size: 11"

Putting in work! 💪

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/qy9g2cCXdg

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) March 2, 2023

See also:

Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL

Tracking Active Alabama Crimson Players in the NFL

Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL: Breakdown by Team

Active Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL by Position

All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL

All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL By Team

Former Alabama Crimson Tide Players Selected in the NFL Draft

All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players Drafted by Round