Alabama will look to repeat as national champions this year as it aims to add a 19th title to its trophy case. The Crimson Tide opens its season on Sept. 4 against Miami inside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. To help pass the time until then, BamaInsider is delving into 21 topics and questions concerning the 2021 season.
Today we continue our series by asking which Alabama rookie will have the best season in the NFL this year?
Jaylen Waddle, WR (No. 6 overall, Miami Dolphins)
The case for: Jaylen Waddle was the first Alabama player selected in last month’s draft, and the speedy receiver couldn’t find himself in a better situation. On top of being reunited with his former college quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, Waddle joins a revamped Dolphins receiving unit that now also features fellow speedster William Fuller V. Along with contributing on offense, Waddle could also step in as Miami’s punt returner, giving him more opportunities to flash his playmaking ability in his first season.
The case against: The obvious concern surrounding Waddle is how he will recover from his ankle injury which caused him to miss seven games last season. He was able to return in time to play during the national championship game against Ohio State in January but was far from 100 percent. Early indications are that Waddle will be back to full strength by the start of the season as he appears to be moving well in the Dolphins’ rookie camp. Still, his health will be something to monitor.
Patrick Surtain II, DB (No. 9 overall, Denver Broncos)
The case for: Heading into last month’s draft, many projected the Denver Broncos to select a quarterback with the No. 9 overall pick. However, the opportunity to land one of the best defensive players proved too hard to pass up.
Patrick Surtain II enters the NFL as one of the most polished rookies in this year’s class. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound cornerback spent the past three years mastering Nick Saban’s complex coverage schemes which should help speed up his learning curve at the next level. Surtain also seems to be taking the right mindset heading into the offseason. It’s hard to imagine all of the above won’t translate to early success in the NFL.
The case against: Surtain’s one of the safest bets on this list, so it’s hard to pick out reasons why he won’t be a success at the next level. The biggest question mark concerning the former All-American is where he will line up. The Broncos brought in cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby in free agency, seemingly signaling that they will use Surtain at the nickelback position. Surtain played that position at times at Alabama and has the skill set to succeed there in the NFL. However, he performed better as a perimeter corner in college.
DeVonta Smith, WR (No. 10 overall, Philadelphia Eagles)
The case for: Like Waddle, DeVonta Smith is reuniting with a former college quarterback as he teams up with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is the best route-runner in this year’s class and should instantly become a top target for the Eagles this season. Along with reuniting with Hurts, Smith will also be working with first-year head coach Nick Sirianni. The former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator spent the past three seasons working with T.Y. Hilton (5-foot-10, 183 pounds), who has a similarly slight build to Smith (6-foot-1, 175 pounds).
The case against: Smith has spent his entire career disproving doubters about his size. However, there are still some who question whether he’ll be able to maintain his production against bigger defenders in the NFL. Along with those concerns, Smith will need Hurts to improve his passing production behind center. The second-year quarterback completed just 52 percent of his passes for 1,061 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions during his rookie season.
Mac Jones, QB (No. 15 overall, New England Patriots)
The case for: There might not be a better fit among Alabama rookies than Mac Jones in New England. The quarterback’s brief slide in the draft might serve as a blessing in disguise as he enters a Patriots offense that has been built around a hall-of-fame pocket passer in Tom Brady over the past two decades. New England has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL which should provide Jones with the time he needs to break down opponents in the pocket. The Patriots also revamped their receiving options this offseason, bringing in receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne as well as tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
The case against: While Jones has all the tools necessary for future success in New England, he might have to wait a while before he earns his spot on the field. The Patriots resigned Cam Newton to a one-year deal this offseason, and it’s likely the former MVP will start the season behind center. When asked about his team’s quarterback situation last week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft told TMZ that he was excited about having both Jones and Newton on the roster. Kraft was then asked who will start between the two, replying, "I pay Bill Belichick a lot of money. He can decide that."
Alex Leatherwood, OL (No. 17 overall, Las Vegas Raiders)
The case for: Las Vegas’ selection of Alex Leatherwood with the No. 17 overall pick drew plenty of criticism as many felt the Raiders reached for the Alabama lineman. Those in the Raiders organization could care less what other people think.
“Coach Gruden loved this guy,” Raiders general manager Mike Mayock told reporters last month. “Our scouts loved this guy, and what I like is when the second floor in our building, which is all the coaches, and the third floor, which is all the scouts, when we’re united on a conversation like Leatherwood, that makes me feel really good about the pick.”
Leatherwood started at left tackle for Alabama the last two years. He earned the Outland Trophy last season, receiving an overall blocking grade of 91.5 by the Alabama coaching staff while succeeding on 99.7 percent of his assignments. He’s now joining a rebuilt Raiders offensive line which is set up well to pave the way for former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs.
The case against: Las Vegas plans to play Leatherwood at right tackle next season, a role that provides more value than the guard spot some projected him to move into at the next level. While the Alabama lineman has the talent to be a vital part of the Raiders’ offense moving forward, his ceiling doesn’t seem as high as other players on this list.
Najee Harris, RB (No. 24 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers)
The case for: Najee Harris might look like a power back, but the 6-foot-2, 230-pounder has also proved several times he can be a threat in the passing game as well. Harris recorded 43 receptions for 425 yards and four touchdowns last season. By the sound of it, he’s brought that production to the NFL where he was praised for his catching ability by reporters during Pittsburgh’s rookie camp last week.
“I’ve always been catching the ball, man,” Harris said when asked about a one-handed catch during practice. “I always do that, always do that. Not to brag or nothing. What the heck. It wasn’t luck, I’ll tell you that. I’ll do it again for you. It’s not something I work on. I’ve been doing it since, like, middle school. I’ve got big hands, man.”
While Harris’ skills as a receiver will help him at the next level, his ability to move the ball on the ground is what the Steelers need most. Pittsburgh ranked last in the NFL averaging just 3.6 yards per carry last season. The reigning Doak Walker Award winner will do his best to change that this year.
The case against: There’s no denying Harris’ talent, but NFL running backs typically only go as far as their offensive line takes them. Pittsburgh’s front has struggled in recent years, and while the Steelers drafted Illinois guard Kendrick Green in the third round and Texas A&M tackle Dan Moore in the fourth round, their unit still appears to be a project moving forward. Harris has shown he can juke past — and even jump over — defenders. However, the former Alabama back is also going to need some help from his friends up front.
Today we continue our series by asking which Alabama rookie will have the best season in the NFL this year?
Jaylen Waddle, WR (No. 6 overall, Miami Dolphins)
The case for: Jaylen Waddle was the first Alabama player selected in last month’s draft, and the speedy receiver couldn’t find himself in a better situation. On top of being reunited with his former college quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, Waddle joins a revamped Dolphins receiving unit that now also features fellow speedster William Fuller V. Along with contributing on offense, Waddle could also step in as Miami’s punt returner, giving him more opportunities to flash his playmaking ability in his first season.
The case against: The obvious concern surrounding Waddle is how he will recover from his ankle injury which caused him to miss seven games last season. He was able to return in time to play during the national championship game against Ohio State in January but was far from 100 percent. Early indications are that Waddle will be back to full strength by the start of the season as he appears to be moving well in the Dolphins’ rookie camp. Still, his health will be something to monitor.
Patrick Surtain II, DB (No. 9 overall, Denver Broncos)
The case for: Heading into last month’s draft, many projected the Denver Broncos to select a quarterback with the No. 9 overall pick. However, the opportunity to land one of the best defensive players proved too hard to pass up.
Patrick Surtain II enters the NFL as one of the most polished rookies in this year’s class. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound cornerback spent the past three years mastering Nick Saban’s complex coverage schemes which should help speed up his learning curve at the next level. Surtain also seems to be taking the right mindset heading into the offseason. It’s hard to imagine all of the above won’t translate to early success in the NFL.
The case against: Surtain’s one of the safest bets on this list, so it’s hard to pick out reasons why he won’t be a success at the next level. The biggest question mark concerning the former All-American is where he will line up. The Broncos brought in cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby in free agency, seemingly signaling that they will use Surtain at the nickelback position. Surtain played that position at times at Alabama and has the skill set to succeed there in the NFL. However, he performed better as a perimeter corner in college.
DeVonta Smith, WR (No. 10 overall, Philadelphia Eagles)
The case for: Like Waddle, DeVonta Smith is reuniting with a former college quarterback as he teams up with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is the best route-runner in this year’s class and should instantly become a top target for the Eagles this season. Along with reuniting with Hurts, Smith will also be working with first-year head coach Nick Sirianni. The former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator spent the past three seasons working with T.Y. Hilton (5-foot-10, 183 pounds), who has a similarly slight build to Smith (6-foot-1, 175 pounds).
The case against: Smith has spent his entire career disproving doubters about his size. However, there are still some who question whether he’ll be able to maintain his production against bigger defenders in the NFL. Along with those concerns, Smith will need Hurts to improve his passing production behind center. The second-year quarterback completed just 52 percent of his passes for 1,061 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions during his rookie season.
Mac Jones, QB (No. 15 overall, New England Patriots)
The case for: There might not be a better fit among Alabama rookies than Mac Jones in New England. The quarterback’s brief slide in the draft might serve as a blessing in disguise as he enters a Patriots offense that has been built around a hall-of-fame pocket passer in Tom Brady over the past two decades. New England has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL which should provide Jones with the time he needs to break down opponents in the pocket. The Patriots also revamped their receiving options this offseason, bringing in receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne as well as tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
The case against: While Jones has all the tools necessary for future success in New England, he might have to wait a while before he earns his spot on the field. The Patriots resigned Cam Newton to a one-year deal this offseason, and it’s likely the former MVP will start the season behind center. When asked about his team’s quarterback situation last week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft told TMZ that he was excited about having both Jones and Newton on the roster. Kraft was then asked who will start between the two, replying, "I pay Bill Belichick a lot of money. He can decide that."
Alex Leatherwood, OL (No. 17 overall, Las Vegas Raiders)
The case for: Las Vegas’ selection of Alex Leatherwood with the No. 17 overall pick drew plenty of criticism as many felt the Raiders reached for the Alabama lineman. Those in the Raiders organization could care less what other people think.
“Coach Gruden loved this guy,” Raiders general manager Mike Mayock told reporters last month. “Our scouts loved this guy, and what I like is when the second floor in our building, which is all the coaches, and the third floor, which is all the scouts, when we’re united on a conversation like Leatherwood, that makes me feel really good about the pick.”
Leatherwood started at left tackle for Alabama the last two years. He earned the Outland Trophy last season, receiving an overall blocking grade of 91.5 by the Alabama coaching staff while succeeding on 99.7 percent of his assignments. He’s now joining a rebuilt Raiders offensive line which is set up well to pave the way for former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs.
The case against: Las Vegas plans to play Leatherwood at right tackle next season, a role that provides more value than the guard spot some projected him to move into at the next level. While the Alabama lineman has the talent to be a vital part of the Raiders’ offense moving forward, his ceiling doesn’t seem as high as other players on this list.
Najee Harris, RB (No. 24 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers)
The case for: Najee Harris might look like a power back, but the 6-foot-2, 230-pounder has also proved several times he can be a threat in the passing game as well. Harris recorded 43 receptions for 425 yards and four touchdowns last season. By the sound of it, he’s brought that production to the NFL where he was praised for his catching ability by reporters during Pittsburgh’s rookie camp last week.
“I’ve always been catching the ball, man,” Harris said when asked about a one-handed catch during practice. “I always do that, always do that. Not to brag or nothing. What the heck. It wasn’t luck, I’ll tell you that. I’ll do it again for you. It’s not something I work on. I’ve been doing it since, like, middle school. I’ve got big hands, man.”
While Harris’ skills as a receiver will help him at the next level, his ability to move the ball on the ground is what the Steelers need most. Pittsburgh ranked last in the NFL averaging just 3.6 yards per carry last season. The reigning Doak Walker Award winner will do his best to change that this year.
The case against: There’s no denying Harris’ talent, but NFL running backs typically only go as far as their offensive line takes them. Pittsburgh’s front has struggled in recent years, and while the Steelers drafted Illinois guard Kendrick Green in the third round and Texas A&M tackle Dan Moore in the fourth round, their unit still appears to be a project moving forward. Harris has shown he can juke past — and even jump over — defenders. However, the former Alabama back is also going to need some help from his friends up front.
