NFL Draft

Star Alabama Players Declare for 2023 NFL Draft

Bryce Young, Will Anderson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Brian Branch have entered the 2023 NFL Draft. How high can the star prospects go?

Robert Gregson

Star Alabama Players Declare for 2023 NFL Draft
Star Alabama Players Declare for 2023 NFL Draft /
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Alabama Crimson Tide Prospects Declare for 2023 NFL Draft After Bowl Game

Alabama could see a multitude of prospects go in the first round of the NFL Draft, and four of them have just declared their intent to play at the next level. 

QB Bryce Young

Alabama QB Bryce Young

One of the highest-rated prospects in the 2023 class, Bryce Young of Alabama, has officially declared for the NFL Draft.

Young is "an undersized, athletic gamer who possesses a lasso for an arm and is the consummate team leader. Has experienced the biggest stages that college football has to offer; uber-competitive and ultra-poised. "

Click here for the full scouting report on Bryce Young.

Young has all the tools of a number-one pick and franchise quarterback. He throws with incredible touch, live velocity, and NFL anticipation.

The discourse around Young lies in his size. Based on projections, Young would be the first player sub six foot and 200 pounds to go in the top 5 of an NFL Draft.

Many teams hold size thresholds that vary based on position. While some teams may be more liberal regarding their flexibility on the criteria, others will view him as too small.

Young is a complete outlier that will be a tricky evaluation as we approach April. With all the accolades and talent, he's a sure-fire first-rounder. But questions will arise when the nit-picking starts and Young is standing next to other quarterbacks in this class.

With the Houston Texans currently slated to land the number one pick, there is thought they will draft a franchise quarterback. Given the division (AFC South), the weather isn't as treacherous as other areas of the country, lending credence to Young as the number-one pick.

Time will tell what the NFL and Texans think of Young, but don't be surprised if his name is the first one called come draft night. 

EDGE Will Anderson

Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr.

The potential first non-quarterback off the board, Will Anderson Jr., has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Anderson Jr. is "A potential first overall selection with the ability to convert speed to power and a twitch athlete with great speed."

Click here for the full scouting report on Will Anderson Jr.

If quarterbacks didn't tip the positional value scale, you could pin Anderson as the number one overall pick in most drafts.

An edge player that terrorized even the best of the SEC's tackles, Anderson was virtually unblockable during his tenure in Tuscaloosa.

While the quarterback position takes the cake regarding team building, edge rusher isn't far behind. So when the calendar turns to April, Anderson won't be waiting long to hear his name called. 

RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Jahmyr Gibbs - Alabama

A dynamic back that has the chance to go night one, Jahmyr Gibbs of Alabama, has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

"One of the most uniform prospects in collegiate football, Gibbs' liabilities on the field are minimal thanks to a skillset rich with ability in all schemes."

Click here for the full scouting report on Jahmyr Gibbs

The positional value conversation around running backs is brought up yearly around draft time. Many view the position as plug-and-play, while others think a true game-changer can set your team over the top.

NFL teams also share differing views, but there is a chance that Gibbs will join fellow running back Bijan Robinson as a first-round selection in the spring.

Because Gibbs presents a skillset that teams can utilize in both the pass and run, he's more than your typical running back prospect.

If he blows away the pre-draft process with the testing numbers he's capable of, expect Gibbs to go on night one in April. 

DB Brian Branch

Alabama S Brian Branch

Widely regarded as one of, if not the best safety in his class, Brian Branch of Alabama has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

"Though he projects as a nickel corner and man coverage specialist early in his NFL career, Brian Branch has the athleticism, instincts, and physicality to play any defensive back position in the league."

Click here for the full scouting report on Brian Branch

Branch is one of the latest gems to come out of the vaunted Alabama secondary. Between his positional versatility and skillset, many view him as the best safety-nickel hybrid in the draft.

NFL teams appreciate the tutelage of coach Nick Saban, as they know they are getting day-one starters from his defensive backs. Long thought of as the best head coach and coach in the nation, his prospects (particularly at D.B) are technically proficient.

But when a prospect has both the Alabama technique and a league-worthy athletic profile, the first-round conversation starts to take place.

That is where Branch finds himself as we approach April, with him and the Tide family hoping to cement his projection in the coming months. 

DB Eli Ricks

Alabama CB Eli Ricks

An extremely talented corner with NFL traits, Eli Ricks has officially declared for the draft. 

"An elongated corner with ball skills, Ricks has the makeup of a top defensive back but must build on his technique to congeal himself atop his draft class."

Click here for the full scouting report on Eli Ricks 

Ricks transferred from LSU in the offseason, immediately making headlines as one of the top recruits in the transfer Portal. 

Battling through injury, Ricks didn't play nearly as much as he or Tide coaches and fans anticipated. When he was on the field, however, he made the most of his snaps. 

Some may question the decision to declare given his 2022 campaign, but what can't be questioned is his skillset. 

If Ricks checks out medically and tests well in the pre-draft process, he could be a potential day-two steal that shines in the right system. 

DB Jordan Battle

Jordan Battle

A tenured member of Tuscaloosa, safety Jordan Battle has declared for the NFL Draft. 

Battle "Can be a versatile player who can match up with tight ends and add a blitzing element to a secondary in the NFL."

Click here for the full scouting report on Jordan Battle 

Few players of Battle's status stay in college for the amount of time he did. This speaks to the commitment of Battle, a player whose character is as grand as his skillset. 

While his fellow teammate Brian Branch will lead the safety class in this year's draft, Battle won't be far behind with the instincts, experience, and versatility that NFL teams covet. 

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Already accepting his invitation to the Senior Bowl, Battle will be one of the top players in Mobile, with a chance to solidify his draft stock. 

With one of the best resumes of any player in the 2023 class, don't expect to wait long to hear Battle's name called come the spring.

LB Henry To'o To'o

Henry To'oTo'o

One of the more instinctive players in the country, Henry To'o To'o has officially declared for the NFL Draft.

"To’o To’o has quick hands to stay clean when flowing to the sideline, taking advantage of his speed to make plays."

Click here for the full scouting report on Henry To'o To'o

Showing natural tendencies as a linebacker with keen awareness, To'o To'o's tape stacks up with some of the best at his position. 

While he may not blow teams away athletically, he is sure to dominate the whiteboard and will leave teams impressed with his cognitive abilities. 

A chance to impress down in Mobile, a big week at the Senior Bowl will go a long way for To'o To'o's draft stock come April. 

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Robert Gregson
ROBERT GREGSON

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