Jumbo Package: Can Alabama match Miami’s draft record?

Happy Tuesday, everyone. The NFL Draft is only a couple days away, and Alabama has a very realistic chance to match the 2001 Miami Hurricanes class with six first round picks.

Quarterback Mac Jones is the consensus first Tide player off the board to the 49ers at No. 3, while Patrick Surtain has been heavily tied to the Cowboys at No. 10. There is less certainty about DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, but both players are expected to be chosen within the first half of Thursday night’s first round.

However, draft-night trades can shift some projections and even Jones to San Francisco is not a sure thing. NFL Network reported this week that club is still deciding between Jones and North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance.

Imagine, going into last season, that someone told you Mac Jones would go ahead of all of the other talent on that roster. Now imagine someone said that to you four years ago, or even that he would potentially be picked higher than Tua Tagovailoa was in his class. Simply amazing.

Beyond the four mentioned above, we have seen Christian Barmore, Alex Leatherwood, and Najee Harris in various first round mocks. All three would have to go in order to break the record, two to tie. It probably isn’t likely, but it is possible.

Yahoo has a great writeup on Jaylen Waddle. The focus will always be on his speed, but they correctly point out that he is so much more than that.

Tough and competitive despite his smaller frame. Shows some fearlessness attacking the middle of the field, where some speed merchants prefer not to roam. Good hands catcher in traffic who can haul in 50-50 balls better than most small wideouts.

Very well-liked by Bama staff and teammates. Infectious, positive personality — always seems to come to work with a smile on his face but wants to cut his opponents’ throats. Said to love the daily grind — considered a maniacal worker and competitor but also puts the team first.

Pound for pound it’s tough to imagine a tougher football player. As far as putting the team first, watching him return early and gut out that bad ankle to help his team win a national championship ranks as one of the best among many special moments in the 2020 season.

Ben Davis has found a home.

A former Alabama linebacker is set to join Steve Sarkisian at Texas.

Ben Davis, the one-time five-star recruit who was a backup for the Crimson Tide last season, announced Monday that he’s transferring to Texas.

Best of luck, Ben.

Last, episode 3 of the excellent “Najee Harris: Road to the Pros” is out.

That’s about it for now. Have a great day.

Roll Tide.