Alabama Football: 2015 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

Numerous members of the Alabama Crimson Tide will be rolling into the 2015 NFL draft starting on Thursday, April 30. 

The headliner is wide receiver Amari Cooper. It's very conceivable to think he'll be the first non-quarterback offensive player selected. Safety Landon Collins also seems like a safe bet to hear his name called on Thursday night. 

Additionally, there are multiple other draft-eligible prospects on the Crimson Tide with a great shot at being drafted. 

This piece will highlight the Alabama draft hopefuls. Prior to the draft, we will analyze all of the prospects and their respective strengths as football players. Predictions on draft positioning will also be discussed. 

Once the draft ends, we will update the slides, detailing each player and how he fits in with his future team.

WR Amari Cooper

Butch Dill/Associated Press

Cooper breaking a tackle versus Missouri.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 4 to Oakland 

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 211 lbs

Analysis: Quarterback Derek Carr is likely the happiest person on the planet at this point. Amari Cooper is the top skill position player in this entire draft. He'll instantly give Carr a No. 1 target from within the wide receiver corps. Not only will he provide Oakland with a big-play threat, but he'll instantly bring stability to a position in desperate need of some. A home-run pick for the Raiders. 

Replacement: Alabama likely won't be relying upon one receiver as it did last year with Cooper. In fact, the top three receivers from a year ago (Cooper, DeAndrew White, Chris Jones) are all gone. When it comes to accounting for the lost production, the likes of ArDarius Stewart, Cam Sims, Chris Black and Robert Foster all figure to see ample time on the field. 

S Landon Collins

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Collins is a physical, hard-hitting safety.

Drafted: Round 2, No. 33 Pick to New York Giants

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 228 lbs

Analysis: Landon Collins fills a much-needed fit for the New York Giants in the secondary—especially considering the loss of Antrel Rolle in free agency. Depth at the position is a bit shaky. Collins can come in right away and play a prominent role. He'll also help the Giants' rushing defense with his propensity to attack the line of scrimmage. A very good value-pick for Tom Coughlin's team. 

Replacement: There is a bit of shuffle going on within the Alabama secondary. Corner Eddie Jackson has since made the move to safety. A fantastic athlete, it will be fascinating to see how he makes the transition.  

RB T.J. Yeldon

Butch Dill/Associated Press

Yeldon making a MSU defender miss in space.

Drafted: Round 2, No. 36 Pick to Jacksonville Jaguars

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 226 lbs

Analysis: When looking at the Jacksonville Jaguars depth chart at running back, there's an obvious need for a No. 1 running back. Durability and size concerns plague Denard Robinson, and Toby Gerhart appears best suited as a short-yardage back. T.J. Yeldon is potentially walking into a very nice situation with the Jaguars. He should be given every opportunity to win the starting spot as a rookie. 

Replacement: There's no question Derrick Henry will be the top option in the backfield next year for the Crimson Tide. The Florida native led the team with 990 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He should be under heavy consideration as an early 2015 Heisman Trophy candidate. 

FB Jalston Fowler

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Fowler breaking a tackle versus an Auburn defender.

Drafted: Round 4, No. 108 Pick to Tennessee Titans

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 254 lbs

Analysis: In a league void of true fullbacks, Jalston Fowler enters the fray for Tennessee as a throw-back option. Fowler becomes the only true fullback on the roster. In order to take pressure off of expected starter Marcus Mariota, the Titans will need to run the football. Expect Fowler to have a prominent role right away—opening up holes for running back Bishop Sankey. He'll also offer value catching passes out of the backfield. 

Replacement: Former walk-on Michael Nysewander is slated to replace Fowler as the team's starting fullback, per Stephen M. Smith of Touchdown Alabama. The senior from Hoover, Alabama, is a hard-nosed, tough competitor. In his career, he has two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown. 

Note: Draft projections courtesy of Matt Miller's mock draft unless otherwise noted. Stats come courtesy of RollTide.com.  

OL Arie Kouandjio

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Kouandjio is a powerful lineman with nice upside.

Drafted: Round 4, No. 112 pick to Washington Redskins

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 310 lbs

Analysis: Washington's run on interior linemen continues with Kouandjio. It's readily apparent the Redkins want to emphasize physicality within its offensive line. In regards Kouandjio, the depth chart at guard looks relatively open. A Maryland native, he'll be able to come back home and vie for playing time right away. 

Replacement: Ross Pierschbacher has apparently solidified himself as the top option at left guard. Not only is the Iowa native powerful at the point of attack, but he also has above-average athleticism. According to The Anniston Star's Marq Burnett, Saban recognizes Pierschbacher as one of four linemen to separate themselves throughout spring ball. 

OL Austin Shepherd

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Shepherd mauling a defender in space.

Drafted: Round 7, No. 228 Pick to Minnesota Vikings

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 315 lbs

Analysis: Austin Shepherd's ability to play multiple positions will likely help his cause in making the Minnesota Vikings' roster. On gameday, NFL teams often carry seven linemen. The two reserve options more often than not act as "swing-men"—meaning they have the capabilities of functioning anywhere along the offensive line. Shepherd's best chance is to win this job. At worst, he'll be a practice squad player in 2015. 

Replacement: JUCO transfer Dominick Jackson out of California looks like a capable replacement at the right tackle spot. Like Pierschbacher, Saban mentioned Jackson as standing out this spring, per Burnett. 

DL Xzavier Dickson

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Dickson taking Cardale Jones down to the ground.

Drafted: Round 7, Pick 253 to New England Patriots

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 260 lbs

Analysis: Xzavier Dickson seems like a perfect fit for what New England likes to do on defense. The Patriots covet versatile defenders with the ability to play as both outside linebackers and defensive ends. This description perfectly fits Dickson. As a developmental prospect, he brings nice value this late in the draft. He could stick initially on the practice squad. 

Replacement: Dickson did flip-flop between two positions—depending on the situation within the game. At defensive end, Jonathan Allen will likely get the lion's share of the snaps. At outside linebacker, look for Tim Williams and Rashaan Evans to battle it out. Both will likely get a ton of playing time.