Reunited and it Feel So Good!
Thursday night saw six former Crimson Tide players taken off the board in the first round, tying a record set by the University of Miami in 2004. As impressive as that was to see, what may be even more impressive is that every single player drafted will be reunited with at least one other former Crimson Tide player. From Jaylen Waddle to Najee Harris, this is your guide to Crimson Tide reunion.
Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa
With the sixth overall pick the Miami Dolphins took the former Crimson Tide receiver, pairing him with one of his former quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa. Waddle, despite never being a feature wide out in the Tagovailoa led offense, will undoubtedly have some chemistry with the second year quarterback who is looking to have a bounce back year. Adding a weapon like Waddle who is a threat to take it to the end zone every time he touches it will only help Tagovailoa develop this season.
Patrick Surtain and Jerry Jeudy
The Denver Broncos, despite being rumored to be in the market for a quarterback, used their ninth overall pick to select former Alabama cornerback, Patrick Surtain II, reuniting him with former Alabama wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy. Surtain and Jeudy, in their time at Alabama together, were two of the top players at their positions and will now have the chance to compete against one another in practice once again.
DeVonta Smith and Jalen Hurts
Another wide receiver-quarterback pairing, The Philadelphia Eagles found their number one receiver with the 10th overall pick Thursday night, taking DeVonta Smith and reuniting him with one of his former quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts. Hurts and Smith spent two seasons at Alabama together, with one of their most memorable moments coming on a game winning touchdown against Mississippi State in 2017. The Eagles were in desperate need of a reliable weapon for their young quarterback and have definitely found it in Smith.
Mac Jones and Damien Harris
The New England Patriots sat and waited patiently for their turn as if they knew who they wanted to select the entire night. With the 15th overall pick, the Patriots took their quarterback of the future and Tom Brady replacement, Mac Jones. Jones will have a lot of weapons at his disposal with New England, but will more importantly be reunited with former Tide running back, Damien Harris who shared his excitement on Twitter.
Alex Leatherwood and Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake
The Las Vegas Raiders surprised a lot of people Thursday night, selecting Alex Leatherwood with the 17th overall pick. With the Raiders featuring two former Crimson Tide running backs in Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, Leatherwood will have an opportunity to block for some familiar faces. Someone who can play any position on the offensive line, Leatherwood will surely find a place on the Raiders offensive front making lanes for Jacobs and Drake.
Najee Harris and Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Steelers made many of their fans dreams come true Thursday night, selecting Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick and staking claim to their running back of the future. With the selection of Harris, the Steelers reunite him with former Crimson Tide stand-out Minkah Fitzpatrick. Harris brings a unique combination of size and athleticism and should give Pittsburgh not only a great running back but a near wide receiver out of the backfield. Fitzpatrick, like Damien Harris, shared his excitement on Twitter to be reunited with another former Alabama player, welcoming Harris to the team.