Alabama had a good defense this year. Not surprising, right? The Crimson Tide has strung together an impressive run of dominance over the past decade or so, and has continually produced big-time NFL talent.
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This year is no different as the Crimson Tide has seven prospects who are projected to be drafted within the first three rounds, including four potential first-rounders — Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, Tim Williams and Marlon Humphrey.
Foster lead 'Bama in tackles last season with 115 total (60 solo) and had 13.0 tackles for a loss and 5.0 sacks, recording a pair of passes defended, too. Allen totaled 69 tackles (33 solo) and 10.5 sacks, with 16.0 tackles for a loss and a pair of defensive touchdowns.
Williams was a sack specialist for the Tide last season, as he had just 31 total tackles but recorded 9.0 sacks and 16.0 tackles for a loss. Humphrey had a strong showing in a vaunted defensive backfield, registering a pair of interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), five passes defended, a forced fumble and 36 tackles.
The four prospects all have a shot to be drafted in the first round, with Allen and Foster generally considered first-round locks and Humphrey and Williams mocked in and out of the first round depending on the analyst.
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Reuben Foster, ILB
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Jonathan Allen, DT
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Marlon Humphrey, CB
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Tim Williams, OLB
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These four aren't the ony big-name defensive prospects — defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, outside linebacker Ryan Anderson and safety Eddie Jackson are all considered second-to-third round prospects.
The Alabama Crimson Tide defense was special in 2016, and that will be well-reflected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
