Alabama Defenders Impressed at NFL Combine

Nick Saban retired from being the head coach of Alabama in January. It shocked both the college football and the NFL world. Before he left the sport of football, Nick Saban sent a few more gifts to the NFL: a crew of defenders who are taking the NFL world by storm.

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On Thursday, defensive linemen and linebackers took the field in Indianapolis to test in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers.

Alabama's three defenders along the front line, Justin Eboigbe, Chris Braswell, and Dallas Turner, all participated in drills and impressed NFL minds.

Justin Eboigbe:

An impressive showing, definitively increasing his draft stock. He ran a 5.18 40-yard dash. In the subsequent drills on the field testing his pocket pressure ability, he did fairly well, showing agility and strength. With a weight of 297 lbs and a height of 6-foot-4 3/8, he is primed to make a strong push on any roster he lands on.

Dallas Turner:

Unsurprisingly turning heads with his 4.46 40-yard dash (second best at the position) and his 10-feet-7-inch broad jump, one of the best of the day at the position, and a 40.5-inch vertical (best at the position), making his case for edge number 1 clear. Another impressive showing by a former Saban recruit, that will without a doubt add to the infamous list of first-round talent under Saban's belt.

Chris Braswell:

Braswell had a good day as well, planting himself as one of the top linebacker options for this year's draft. With a 40-yard dash of 4.60 a broad jump of 9-feet-7-inches, and a good showing during the drills, he too is primed to be one of the top five backers of the board.

Alabama defensive backs Terrion Arnold and Jaylen Key competed in on-field drills on Friday after taking the podium on Thursday. Arnold was a media darling, and he backed it up on the field.

Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry had a Jones fracture discovered during medical testing on Thursday and did not participate in on-field work on Friday.

Terrion Arnold:

Many fans love Arnold due to his resiliency and amazing personality, along with his relationship with Mrs. Terry, had a great day at his press conference. Earning a 37-inch vertical, a 4.51 40-yard-dash, and a 10-feet-9-inch broad jump, again one of the best at the position, showing impressive athletic ability, and why he is a top option at the cornerback position, also showing why he allowed the fifth-lowest passer rating against him in FBS in 2023. He is now firmly a top-two option at the position for this year's draft. Another first-rounder for Saban here with Arnold indeed.

Jaylen Key:

Another good day for a Bama player as Key timed a 4.60 40-yard dash, a 36.5-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-10-inch broad jump. Proving he is a noteworthy defensive back in this draft, Key is ready to land a sport on a team and compete, likely landing in the later rounds of this year's draft, he has the potential to be a value pick or a steal.

Don't forget, most of these players will likely also participate, to some degree, in the pro day held in Tuscaloosa this spring... once again having the opportunity to prove their skills.