Alabama Football: Following Up on the 2012 NFL Class with the Tide's Free Agents

This article last updated on May 2, 2012 at 1:45 AM (ET).

"Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is in the books, teams are scrambling to sign the best undrafted rookie free agents. Here is a list of players who have signed or agreed to terms with teams thus far. This will be updated as transactions officially occur or are reported by news outlets." —NFL.com

The following list is of the free agents hailing from the Capstone (verified by previous NFL.com link):

Jerrell Harris, LB: Atlanta Falcons

Alfred McCullough, OL: Baltimore Ravens

Marquis Maze, WR: Pittsburgh Steelers

Alex Watkins, LB and William Vlachos, C: Tennessee Titans

Darius Hanks, WR and Phelon Jones, CB: Washington Redskins

Alabama had a great showing in the draft Apr 27-29, and it all started with the third overall pick as Trent Richardson was selected by the Cleveland Browns.

Alabama would see eight former players drafted, ending with Brad Smelley joining Richardson in Cleveland as the 247th overall pick.

Adding the seven free agents, that makes 15 former Tiders that will step onto the NFL training fields in 2012.

The NFL now recognizes that the league is a passing league, and they need serious pass defenders. Phelon Jones, Jerrell Harris and Alex Watkins may not be starters right away, but with hard work and listening ears, they will carry their own weight at the next level just fine.

Tiders all thank these boys for what they did in Tuscaloosa and wish these men luck in the future. We will never forget the role you played in two crystal footballs coming to the Capstone, and we will see you on Sundays!

Roll Tide!

Update: If you are wondering where Alabama ranked in terms of overall number of draft picks, here's the article.