Alabama Players Chasing the NFL Dream

Several Crimson Tide players near the beginning or the end of a lifelong dream.

There are millions of boys who dream of playing football in the NFL, but statistically it's a rare thing to do.

For every 100,000 high school players, only 0.2 percent or about 215 will ever make an NFL roster.  

For those that make it to the Division I level of college ball, they have roughly a 19 percent chance of making a roster. 

As several Tide players take the field one more time in Mobile's Senior Bowl, they are all hoping to make one final impression, while others train on their own in hopes of getting an invite to camp.

Perhaps of all the players in Mobile, Roy Upchurch has the most to prove. Upchurch either arrived with or suffered an injury his freshman year. Upchurch took a redshirt after surgery was performed to correct the problem. 

Since that time he has suffered several other injuries, and though he always fought back the cumulative toll may have stunted his development.

It didn't help that Alabama signed several elite backs who kept him out of the starting lineup.  But still Upchurch played, and played often. 

For two years Upchurch was the primary third down back. He excelled at pass blocking and was a good receiver out of the backfield. He didn't get many yards after contact, but he showed some burst at times.

His main chance at catching attention in the NFL is his receiving and blocking ability.  Still, lacking elite speed or size Upchruch will probably need to impress on special teams to make a roster.

Tight End Colin Peek made a name for himself in both the ACC and SEC. His wide-ranging experience makes him a good bet to make a roster this fall. 

At 6' 6” and 255 lbs with some agility, he was a huge weapon for the National Champion Crimson Tide. Peek will need to get stronger, but his skill, route running, and blocking will server him well.  

All American guard Mike Johnson will definitely hear his name called on draft day. First day or second, I don't know. Not many men start four years in the SEC, and those that do are about as battle tested as they can be.

Johnson, like almost all college lineman, will need to get stronger, but at 6' 5” and over 300 pounds, he should become a staple on an NFL line in the near future.

Justin Woodall will likely not be drafted, but his size and strength may get him an invite to a camp. Woodall would have an uphill battle to make a roster. If he does, like Upchurch he would need to make a major impact on special teams.

Corner Marquis Johnson had some rough days in the secondary during his up and down career but continued to improve as each year went buy. His final year was by far his best as he showed himself capable of one on one coverage at a much higher level than many ever expected to see.

Johnson's improvement could get him drafted late, and in my opinion he has a good chance of making a roster.

Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson were both star corners for the last two years and both should get drafted. 

Arenas will certainly be looked at as a return man first. Arenas is short for an NFL corner and lacks elite speed, but he has shown he can play the game and he will get a chance.

Jackson who came out as a junior is banking on being a first day pick. I don't know if he chose wisely. It will be interesting to see where he goes. Jackson can cover well but may be a step slow for the pro game. 

Terrence Cody was considered a possible first round draft pick until he showed up at the Senior Bowl weighing over 270 lbs.   Though he quickly began shoving top level offensive lineman around, NFL scouts will not be happy with his conditioning.

Cody will get drafted and will play. Not many people can stuff a hole like he can, and many NFL teams have a serious need for a block absorbing monster like Cody.  

First round money, however, goes to players that are judged to be ready to start now and play the whole game. Cody's weight may have taken him out of that category. 

One player who is virtually a lock for first round is junior Rolando McClain. Rolando is certainly one of if not the top linebacker in college football and will be rewarded accordingly on draft day.

McClain has it all—he's big, strong, fast, and smart. McClain is as close to a can't miss pick as you're going to see.

Jack linebacker Eryk Anders worked himself into a player. He lacks great size, but he's fast and determined. Anders is pretty much back where he started in high school.  

He's a complete unknown who is looking to sneak onto someone's practice field. Don't be surprised if he does and takes someones spot who looks better on paper. Betting against Anders has been a losing proposition in the past.

Offensive lineman Drew Davis is similar to Anders in that he arrived at Alabama as an utter long shot and managed to work himself into a starting position. Davis may have a few more tools to worth with than Anders. Davis is certainly big enough but will need to get stronger and improve his pass blocking to get a shot.

Defensive lineman Lorenzo Washington and Brandon Deaderick could get invited to a camp somewhere but may be long shots to make a roster. Both played well against the run but lacked the speed to proved the pass rush the NFL is looking for.

Kicker Lee Tiffin will likely get an invite to camp as well. His accuracy could give him a chance, but his kickoffs might be what holds him back. NFL teams want the ball in the endzone consistently, and Tiffin didn't do that at Alabama. 

Success in the NFL is all about preparation meeting opportunity. A player can be well prepared, but if he must be in a situation that allows him to succeed. As an example, many felt former Alabama quarterback Brody Croyle was doomed the day the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him to play behind their decimated offensive line. 

The difference between a career of anonymity and the hall of fame is often being in the right place at the right time.