Ten former Alabama players will take the next major step toward beginning their pro careers as they depart for Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium this week to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine.
Alabama will be represented by defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, running back Damien Harris, running back Josh Jacobs, linebacker Christian Miller, offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher, tight end Irv Smith Jr., cornerback Saivion Smith, offensive lineman Jonah Williams, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and linebacker Mack Wilson. Defensive back Deionte Thompson was originally scheduled to participate in drills but tore a ligament in his wrist last week.
The combine is the league’s premier scouting event and offers players a chance to enhance their status leading up to the NFL Draft on April 25-27. Several Alabama players will be looking to solidify themselves as first-round picks. For others, the event could determine whether they are a Day 2 or Day 3 selection. Alabama will also hold a pro day on March 19.
Over the next two days, BamaInsider will evaluate all 10 of Alabama’s combine participants. Today we begin by looking at the offensive players.
Jonah Williams, OL
Jonah Williams has been the anchor of Alabama’s offensive line the past three seasons. After beginning his career at right tackle, he transitioned to left tackle the past two years, starting all 44 games during his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Williams earned unanimous first-team All-American honors last season and was presented with the Jacobs Blocking Trophy awarded to the SEC’s top offensive lineman. He was also a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award.
Strengths: Williams is an admitted “film nerd” and is constantly looking for ways to perfect his technique. He is sound with his movements and is equally efficient blocking for both the pass and the run. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams led Alabama with an 88.6 pass-blocking grade and an 83.6 run-blocking grade last season. He did not allow a sack over 908 snaps.
What he needs to prove: Williams biggest flaw is his lack of length. There’s been some debate whether he will stay at tackle or move to guard at the next level. Williams will likely measure in with a wingspan less than the ideal 34-inch range desired for the tackle position. If teams view him as a potential tackle, he could find his way into the top 10. Regardless, he’s viewed as an elite pro prospect and should land comfortably in the first round.
What they’re saying: “I think there’s a chance he can hold up at tackle and can be a functioning, starting tackle. I think he has a chance to be special inside. I think, to me, that’s where he fits best. Some of his length issues, he’s not a real long guy, showed up in the Clemson game this year, showed up in the Clemson game last year, where guys kind of get into his chest and he struggles a little bit on the edge. So I like him kicking inside. He is a dominating run blocker. You’re talking about somebody who can get his hands on people, work up to the second level, combo block, he’s instinctive, he runs his feet on contact.” — Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
Projection: Early first round
Josh Jacobs, RB
After two quiet seasons, Josh Jacobs exploded toward the end of the year, rushing for 256 yards and two touchdowns while catching nine passes for 113 yards and two more scores over his final four games. He was named Offensive MVP of the SEC Championship Game after rushing for 83 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia. Jacobs was Alabama’s go-to guy on short-yardage situations, often taking direct snaps out of the Wildcat formation. He finished with a team-high 11 rushing touchdowns. Jacobs was also Alabama’s leading kick returner, averaging 30.57 yards per return.
Strengths: Despite not starting at Alabama, Jacobs is widely viewed as the top running back in this year’s class. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah even has him ranked at No. 6 overall. It’s easy to see why so many analysts are high on Jacobs. At 5-foot-10, 216 pounds, he has the power to break tackles while still possessing the athleticism and change of direction needed to make defenders miss. Jacobs has also shown great vision and hits his hole with a purpose. He is just as big of a weapon in the passing game where he can create mismatches out of the backfield or when lined up in the slot against a linebacker.
What he needs to prove: Jacobs suffered a minor groin injury that will keep him out of several drills during the combine. While his lack of carries at Alabama mean he has plenty left in the tank for the next level, Jacobs will still need to convince some teams he has the durability to make it through a full NFL season.
What they’re saying: “I’m a huge fan of his. One of the knocks on him is he doesn’t get a lot of touches at Alabama or as many as you would like because it’s so crowded there. I think if you gave the league a do-over on Alvin Kamara, whose touches are almost identical to Josh Jacobs, we’d see Alvin Kamara go in the top-10, top-15 if we were to redraft that year. So, if that’s the only concern you have about him — I don’t have any concern about that. He’s got vision. He runs with power. He can make you miss. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He can block. There's really nothing he can’t do. So, the knock on him that he doesn’t have touches, I can spin that and say that’s a good thing. There’s still plenty of tread on his tires.” — Daniel Jeremiah
Projection: First round
Irv Smith Jr, TE
Irv Smith Jr. experienced a breakout junior season last year as he developed into one of Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite targets. Smith finished fourth on the team with 44 receptions for 710 yards. His seven receiving touchdowns set a single-season school record for most by a tight end. Of his 44 catches, 28 resulted in either a first down or a touchdown while 11 went for 20 or more yards. Smith earned second-team All-America accolades from the AFCA and was selected to the All-SEC second team by the conference coaches.
Strengths: Last season Smith showed he can be a matchup nightmare in the passing game. The 6-foot-4, 241-pound tight end is the son of former first-round pick Irv Smith Sr., who played tight end for the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns. Along with his pass-catching ability, the younger Smith is also a capable blocker in the running game.
What he needs to prove: Last month, Smith tweeted out that he would post a time of 4.7 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. If that prediction holds true, it will go a long way toward his bid to become a first-round pick. Smith joins Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant in a strong tight end class.
What they are saying: “Smith has an excellent blend of size, athleticism, ball skills and toughness. He lines up inline, as a wing or split out. He has a nice burst off the line and is a fluid route runner. He tracks the ball naturally and has reliable hands. He uses his speed to create after the catch. Smith is more than serviceable in the run game. He primarily seals and stalemates, but there are flashes of nasty finishes. Overall, Smith doesn't have the same upside as former Alabama TE O.J. Howard, but he should be a quality starting TE very early in his NFL career.” — Daniel Jeremiah
Projection: Rounds 1-2
Damien Harris, RB
Starting at running back the past three seasons, Damien Harris quietly worked his way up Alabama’s record books. While he never received the same amount of notoriety as other former star backs such as Derrick Henry or Mark Ingram, Harris was a steady force for the Crimson Tide. He put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2016 and 2017 before leading the team with 876 yards to go with nine rushing touchdowns last year. Harris’ 3,070 career rushing yards make him one of eight backs in program history to eclipse the 3,000-yard mark. He was also well respected in the locker room and was voted as one of Alabama’s four permanent team captains last season.
Strengths: Like Jacobs, Harris was a d0-it-all back at Alabama. He led the team with 22 catches out of the backfield which he turned into 204 yards. He was also Alabama’s best pass blocker this season and has the ability to be a three-down back at the next level. Despite returning for his senior season, Harris only carried the ball 477 times over his four-year career at Alabama. That should leave him fresh for the next level.
What he needs to prove: Unlike Jacobs, Harris most likely won’t blow scouts away with his numbers at the combine. However, a solid performance could help him separate himself from a relatively weak running back class.
What they are saying: “Harris has really good field vision and his north-south skills are top-notch. He plunges headfirst into holes and eats up yardage, and doesn’t waste time dancing around—traits that serve him well in short-yardage situations. Harris can leverage his body well to squeeze through compact spaces, but he can fall short at times in open space. He doesn’t possess the most lethal afterburners or top-shelf elusiveness, but the Bama back always seemed to get the job done in that offense. He projects early in the second round.” — Sam Brief, Sports Illustrated
Projection: Round 2-4
Ross Pierschbacher, OL
A four-year starter at Alabama, Ross Pierschbacher has long been a stalwart for the Crimson Tide’s offensive line. After spending his first three years at guard, he transitioned to center this season to replace Bradley Bozeman. Pierschbacher received second-team All-American honors by the Associated Press and was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top center. Pro Football Focus gave him a 75.9 pass-blocking grade and a 63.7 run-blocking grade. Pierschbacher was one of Alabama’s four permanent team captains voted on by the team.
Strengths: Pierschbacher showed improved as a pass blocker during his senior season. He rarely gets knocked back and shows plenty of push in the running game. His ability to play both guard and center also creates value for whichever team drafts him.
What he needs to prove: While a solid offensive line prospect, Pierschbacher isn’t viewed as an elite talent. He was measured at a 33 1/4-inch wingspan at the Senior Bowl. He’ll need to prove that he has the strength and athleticism needed to go up against the league’s best on a weekly basis.
What they are saying: “Ross is really smart. Can make all the line calls, can play center or guard, either one. He’s got really good feet. He’s got good quickness. I think the guy’s going to be a really good player for a long time.” — Nick Saban, Alabama head coach
Projection: Round 4-5
