25 Top NFL Players From Alabama Ranked

Alabama’s name itself sends shivers down the spines of opposing teams. It’s a breeding ground for gridiron giants, a factory churning out NFL talent with the precision of a Heisman Trophy engraving machine.

NFL greats like Joe Namath, Lee Roy Jordan, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr, John Hannah, Ozzie Newsome, and Don Huston once played for the Crimson Tide.

We’ll witness Jalen Hurts’ MVP-caliber throws, feel the earth tremble under Jonathan Allen’s pass rush, and watch Patrick Surtain II blanket receivers like a crimson blanket.

But it’s not just about the young guns. We’ll pay homage to veterans like Julio Jones, his legacy etched in touchdown records, and C.J. Mosley, his leadership a beacon for the next generation.

25. Mack Wilson

Mack Wilson is a linebacker for the New England Patriots. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2019, he played college football at Alabama, where he was a two-time All-SEC selection. In his three seasons with the Browns, Wilson started 28 games, recording 163 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception.

Traded to the Patriots in 2022, he started three games, recording 36 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Wilson re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year contract extension in 2023.

24. Anfernee Jennings

Anfernee Jennings’s collegiate career was studded with accolades, racking up 194 tackles with 34.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, and 20 pass deflections, showcasing his versatility and nose for the ball. He was a key cog in Alabama’s 2015 and 2017 National Championship run, earning First-team All-SEC (2019).

Jennings’ transition to the NFL has been steady, starting in 16 games for the New England Patriots in 2022. He recorded 26 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass deflections, proving his versatility. 

23. Jonah Williams

Cincinnati Bengals’ rock-solid offensive tackle Jonah Williams’s impact on the field is undeniable. Standing tall at 6’5″ and 312 pounds, the Alabama product was drafted 11th overall in 2019, bringing his Crimson Tide dominance to the NFL.

Williams’ collegiate accolades speak for themselves: two-time First-team All-SEC, one All-American, 2019 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, and a key cog in Alabama’s national championship run (2017).

Transitioning to the pros, he’s started 55 games in three seasons, anchoring the Bengals’ O-line and protecting Joe Burrow’s blindside.

22. Damien Harris

Damien Harris, the bruising running back out of Alabama, has carved his name in Crimson Tide lore and is now making waves in the NFL. Drafted by the Patriots in 2019 (#87), Harris has racked up over 2,188 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in just four seasons. His blend of power and agility makes him a nightmare for defenses.

At Alabama, Harris was a key cog in the Tide’s offensive machine. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice, showcasing his consistency. His 2017 performance, where he ran for 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore, was a glimpse of things to come.

Now, with the Patriots, Harris is proving his worth as a reliable back. His ability to find the endzone is undeniable, with fifteen rushing touchdowns in 2021 alone. He’s also shown surprising receiving ability, catching 42 passes for 297 yards.

21. Jedrick Wills Jr.

Jedrick Wills Jr., the Cleveland Browns’ starting offensive tackle, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 307 lbs, Wills was a standout at the University of Alabama, where he helped pave the way for a Crimson Tide offense that ranked among the best in the nation.

He started 29 games at left tackle for Alabama, including all 14 games of their 2017 National Championship season.

Wills was drafted 10th overall by the Browns in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he’s lived up to the hype so far. He’s started every game of his young career and has been a key cog in Cleveland’s offensive line.

20. Daron Payne

Daron Payne has carved his name in Alabama and Washington Commanders’ history. His collegiate career at Alabama was nothing short of dominant, marked by two national championship rings and the prestigious Defensive MVP title of the 2017 College Football Playoff.

Payne’s impact transcended the college field, landing him a coveted first-round selection (#13) by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Since then, he’s been a disruptive presence in the trenches, racking up 291 tackles, 26 sacks, and 14 pass deflections in his NFL career. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks earned him a well-deserved Pro Bowl nod in 2022.

19. Jonathan Allen

A dominant force in college, Allen amassed 10.5 sacks and 69 tackles in his senior year, claiming the coveted SEC Defensive Player of the Year award in 2016. His college career stats are 28 sacks for 44.5 tackles for loss and 152 tackles.

His impact translated seamlessly to the pros, where he’s become a crucial part of the Washington Commanders’ defensive line.

In 2021, Allen racked up a career-high 9.0 sacks, showcasing his relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Allen’s disruptive presence continues to impress. His NFL record from 2017 to 2022 shows 33.5 sacks and 329 tackles.

On top of that, he received Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022.

18. Levi Wallace

Levi Wallace’s journey to the NFL wasn’t conventional. Overlooked in the 2018 draft, the Alabama product signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. But Wallace defied expectations, emerging as a starter for the Bills’ secondary.

His college career hinted at his potential. Wallace, a member of two national championship teams at Alabama, racked up 59 tackles and 17 pass deflections in his final two seasons.

Throughout his five-year career, Wallace has made 295 tackles, 12 interceptions, and 53 pass deflections which speak volumes about his ability to shut down opposing receivers.

17. Jerry Jeudy

Jerry Jeudy, the electrifying wideout from Alabama, has carved his name into Crimson Tide lore and is electrifying NFL defenses. His 2018 sophomore season was nothing short of electric – he snagged 1,315 receiving yards and 14 TDs, earning him the Fred Biletnikoff Award.

Landing at No. 15 in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jeudy’s pro career has been a rollercoaster. He’s flashed moments of brilliance, showcasing his elite route-running and ball-catching skills. Yet, consistency has been a hurdle. He hasn’t eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in a season and has struggled with drops.

His 2022 campaign saw him reel in 67 receptions for 972 yards and 6 touchdowns, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.

16. C.J. Mosley

C.J. Mosley wasn’t just a tackling machine at Alabama and for the Ravens, he was a defensive leader with a knack for the big play.

A four-star recruit, Mosley started as a true freshman, racking up Freshman All-American honors. He followed that up with a Butkus Award (2013) and a pair of national titles (2011 and 2012), his tackles echoing through Bryant-Denny like thunder.

Drafted in 2014, Mosley instantly bolstered Baltimore’s defense, becoming a Pro Bowler (total: five) and racking up over 579 tackles in five seasons.

He has been with the Jets since 2019 and has amassed 436 tackles in 45 matches, along with 16 pass deflections and three interceptions.

15. Devonta Smith

Smith has snagged 159 receptions for 2,112 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing his ability to make big plays in crucial moments. His one-handed TD grab in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers is a prime example.

His 2022 breakout, with 95 catches for 1,196 yards and 7 touchdowns, cemented his place as a top young WR. His speed, leaping ability, and dynamic playmaking skills make him a nightmare for defenses.

At 25, Smith is still growing, but his potential for Pro Bowl-caliber play is undeniable. With his talent and work ethic, the sky’s the limit for this 2020 Heisman Trophy winner.

14. Rashaan Evans

Rashaan Evans, the hard-hitting linebacker, carved his name in Crimson Tide lore with his championship pedigree and bone-crushing tackles.

A two-time CFP national champion (2015, 2017) and First-team All-American in 2017, Evans’ impact transcended the stat sheet. His 74 tackles in 2017, including 13.0 for loss, were instrumental in Alabama’s dominant defense.

Evans translated his collegiate prowess to the NFL, racking up 482 tackles and 5 sacks in his six-year career. His sure tackling and instincts in run defense made him a valuable asset for the Titans, Falcons, Eagles, and Cowboys. Evans’ ability to stop the run on third downs and create turnovers was undeniable.

13. Mac Jones

Mac Jones, the New England Patriots’ quarterback, might be young, but he’s already making waves in the NFL. Drafted 15th overall in 2021, Jones led the Patriots to a playoff berth in his rookie season, earning himself a Pro Bowl nod.

While 2023 hasn’t been a cakewalk (2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, 12 interceptions), Jones’ leadership and pinpoint accuracy have made him invaluable. His 64.9% completion percentage this year ranks a stellar 16th in the league, showcasing his undeniable talent.

12. Landon Collins

Landon Collins, the Crimson Tide’s do-it-all safety, patrolled the secondary with the swagger of a seasoned vet from day one. Drafted 33rd overall in 2015, his rookie year saw a staggering 112 tackles, 9 pass deflections, and an interception, sending shivers down opposing quarterbacks’ spines.

But 2016 was where Collins truly unleashed his beast mode. Back at his natural strong safety position, he racked up a monstrous 125 tackles, 4 sacks, 13 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions, landing him a First-team All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl selection (total: three).

With 691 tackles, 12 interceptions, and 11 sacks in his young career, Collins is a testament to Alabama’s defensive dominance and a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

11. Marlon Humphrey

Marlon Humphrey, the lockdown corner from Alabama, has been a force to be reckoned with since his college days. In just 29 games for the Crimson Tide, he racked up 61 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. He was drafted 16th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2017.

Humphrey hasn’t been disappointing in the NFL, either. In his seven seasons with the Ravens, he’s amassed 361 combined tackles, 12 interceptions, and 12 forced fumbles with four recoveries. 

He’s a shutdown corner who can single-handedly take away an opponent’s top wide receiver. His ability to create turnovers is also a valuable asset, as he’s one of the league’s best at forcing fumbles and picking off passes.

10. Julio Jones

Atlanta snagged Jones sixth overall. He snatched 54 catches for 959 yards and 8 touchdowns as a rookie, instantly silencing doubters. His career blossomed into a highlight reel of acrobatic grabs and impossible slants, averaging a staggering 87.9 receiving yards per game.

Over ten seasons, Jones piled up 13,730 receiving yards (regular and postseason) for the Falcons, a franchise record, and earned seven Pro Bowls. He led the league in receiving yards in 2015 and 2018 and was the reception co-leader in 2015.

Injuries may have slowed him down in recent years, but Jones remains a force to be reckoned with.

9. Trevon Diggs

Drafted in the second round of 2020 (51st OVR), the cornerback swiftly secured a starting position for the Dallas Cowboys, becoming a cornerstone of their defensive prowess.

Diggs’ impact has been immediate and electrifying. In just four seasons, he’s snagged a staggering 18 interceptions, including a league-leading 11 in 2021. This lockdown performance earned him a First-Team All-Pro title and two Pro Bowl selections (2021 and 2022).

With his agility and natural sense of timing, Diggs can predict throws and steal passes like a hawk, making him a virtual blur on the field. He can intercept misdirected passes and convert them into touchdowns that alter the course of the game.

8. Jaylen Waddle

Hailing from Alabama, Waddle boasts an impressive college and professional career, making him a worthy contender on this list.

His 2018 heroics of 45 receptions for 848 yards and 7 touchdowns earned him the SEC Freshman of the Year title. He registered 106 receptions for 1,999 yards and seventeen TDs in three years.

Drafted sixth overall by the Dolphins in 2021, Waddle shattered the NFL rookie reception record with 104 catches, surpassing Anquan Boldin’s previous record of 101. He finished his rookie season with 1,015 yards and 7 touchdowns.

In 2022, Waddle continued to shine, leading the league with 18.1 yards per catch and setting the franchise record for longest play in an NFL Christmas game with an 84-yard touchdown.

7. Quinnen Williams

Drafted 3rd overall in 2019, Quinnen has already racked up 29.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in just five seasons for the New York Jets, showcasing his disruptive dominance.

2022 was Williams’ breakout year. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection after registering 12 sacks, 55 tackles, and 4 forced fumbles.

Williams is still young, and his best is yet to come. With his relentless motor and ever-improving pass-rushing skills, he has the potential to be one of the league’s most feared defenders for years to come.

6. Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ 2020 fifth-overall pick, is rapidly rising as one of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks.

As a true Alabama freshman, he not only filled Jalen Hurts’ shoes in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship but also led the Crimson Tide to victory over Georgia with a game-winning overtime TD pass. He ended his college career with numerous Alabama and NCAA records, including passing yards per attempt (10.9) and passer rating (199.4).

In 2022, he completed 64.8% of his passes for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was named to his first Pro Bowl and led the league in passer rating. 

5. Patrick Surtain II

Emerging as a shutdown corner for Denver Broncos in his second season, Patrick Surtain II lived up to the hype surrounding the ninth overall pick in 2021.

Surtain snagged four interceptions, tied for the NFL lead among rookies, while his 14 pass deflections ranked third. He added 45 solo tackles and a return touchdown from an interception, showcasing his well-rounded skillset.

With Patrick Surtain II on their side, the Denver Broncos have a defensive cornerstone for years to come. He’s a shutdown corner with a bright future, and his impact on the field is sure to solidify his place among Alabama’s elite NFL alumni.

4. Josh Jacobs

A bruising running back out of Alabama, Josh Jacobs has quickly established himself as one of the most productive backs in the NFL.

Selected in the first round of the 2019 Draft, Jacobs has eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards three times in four seasons and has shown a knack for finding the end zone, with 46 rushing touchdowns to his name already. Jacobs is also a capable receiver, adding 195 receptions for 1,432 yards through the air.

While his 2022 season was cut short due to injury, Jacobs still managed to rush for over 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s a key cog in the Las Vegas Raiders offense and should continue to be a force in the NFL for years to come.

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick

Minkah Fitzpatrick, a star safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a former Alabama standout. Drafted 11th overall in 2018, he has earned recognition for his ball-hawking skills, lockdown coverage, and ability to force turnovers.

His 2022 campaign saw him named a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler after registering six interceptions (2022’s interceptions co-leader) and 96 total tackles.

He’s known for his ball-hawking ability, recording 19 interceptions and returning two for touchdowns. His pick-six in the 2022 season opener secured a win over the Bengals and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

2. Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry, the 6’3″, 247-pound juggernaut, plows through defenses with Heisman-caliber ferocity. At Alabama, he shattered records, leading them to a National Championship in 2015.

In the NFL, he’s been a force since 2016, twice crowned the league’s rushing king (2019, 2020). He’s amassed 8,335 rushing yards and 78 touchdowns in just seven seasons. He has crossed the 200+ yards games six times, tying the NFL record.

A three-time Pro Bowler and the 2020 Offensive PoY, Henry’s a walking highlight reel, proving size and speed are a terrifying combination.

He’s got surprising agility for his size, leaving defenders grasping at air as he jukes and cuts his way through the line.

1. Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts has quickly become a rising star in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles QB, who played his college ball at Alabama, has thrown for 5,626 yards and 48 touchdowns in his three-year career. He has also rushed for over 1,976 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Hurts, a dual-threat quarterback from Alabama, has racked up 11,098 passing yards and 63 touchdowns in his young NFL career.

In his 2023 season, he has passed for 3192 yards and 19 TDs, ranking 10th and tied-12th in the league respectively. He’s also completed 66.5% of his passes, showing accuracy and efficiency in his throws.

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