It’s a different kind of NFL combine this year in Indianapolis.
Actually that’s an understatement.
First off, the combine is back after not being held last year due to COVID-19 concerns.
Second, it may not be back again in Indianapolis for a while. Dallas is making a strong push to host next year, with Los Angeles also making a bid. If successful, the combine could start moving around from venue to venue like the NFL draft has recently done.
Third, there are no quarterbacks at the top of everyone’s draft boards. Only one time during the past seven drafts did a player from another position get selected first overall, Myles Garrett by the Browns in 2017.
Finally, Alabama could have a player selected first overall for the first time since Harry Gilmer in 1948 (with Joe Namath the first-ever pick in the AFL Draft in 1965). Left tackle Evan Neal seems like he’d be a good fit for the Jacksonville Jaguars, although Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State is sort of the flavor of the month.
However, after having a record-tying six first-round selections last year, only one other player is getting much first-round buzz, wide receiver Jameson Williams.
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“In a world where he doesn’t get hurt, he’s a top-10 pick,” NFL Network Analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “But coming off of an ACL you would think there would be a full recovery there, and that could end up being — man, it could end up being a tremendous value for somebody towards the bottom of the first round if he ends up sliding down there.”
Overall, the Crimson Tide has 11 players invited to Indianapolis, but maybe only half will go through drills due to injuries and other factors. Some will do interviews with teams and then wait to perform during Alabama’s Pro Day on March 30.
The 2022 NFL Draft will be held April 28-30 in Las Vegas.
For the specifics on combine, including the drills and TV information, check out: Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 NFL Combine; How to Watch
This will keep track of what the former Crimson Tide players did and said in Indianapolis:
Alabama Crimson Tide at 2022 NFL Combine
Alabama Crimson Tide at the 2022 NFL Combine
Christopher Allen
Jalyn Armour-Davis
Slade Bolden
Christian Harris
Josh Jobe
Phidarian Mathis
John Metchie III
Evan Neal
LaBryan Ray
Brian Robinson Jr.
Jameson Williams
This story will be regularly updated until the combine concludes
SEE ALSO: Five Alabama Questions Heading into the NFL Combine