Getting close to Draft time.. discuss here

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The only question is if Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will be the first or second safety selected in the draft. When ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently said that he preferred another player because of Alabama’s recent defensive players have been disappointments in the NFL, Crimson Tide fans openly wondered, “What is he talking about?”

Position ranking (CBS/National Football Post/Scout): 1, 1, 1.

Draft prep: Clinton-Dix and Louisville’s Calvin Pryor were considered the top two safeties heading into the NFL combine, and both ran an official 4.58 in the 40. Pryor is a natural strong safety while Clinton-Dix is more of a free safety, so team needs figure to be an important factor for who gets selected first.

Matt Miller’s final mock draft: No. 13 to the Rams. B/R Draft Top 100: The top-rated safety. “A do-it-all safety prospect, Clinton-Dix has upper-level abilities in every aspect of the game. He's the type of player who walks in and starts from Day 1. And while he may not be on a level with Earl Thomas or Kenny Vaccaro as a prospect, he's right on par with the next group of top-tier safeties.”

NFL.com analysis: “Hype exceeded his performance in Tuscaloosa, but Clinton-Dix offers starter-caliber instincts, range, coverage skills and tackling ability as a free safety. Should be a Day 1 starter.”

What’s being said: “I think he's one of the top free safeties to come out in the last several years,” said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, who believes Clinton-Dix won’t last past the 17th pick.

NFLDraftScout.com: “Clinton-Dix's rare combination of size, speed, ball skills and football instincts give him a chance to be one of the best at the next level.”

Final thought: With NFL offenses looking more toward spread attacks, the demand for quality safeties is only growing. “I think Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is going to benefit from it, he’s probably going to be a top 15 pick,” ESPN analyst Todd McShay said. Don’t be surprised if someone trades up to grab him as numerous teams picking in the middle of first round need a safety.

Best guess: Clinton-Dix could be the first Alabama player selected, right around the 12th pick.

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Cyrus Kouandjio is another player who more than passes the eye test. He has the ideal size and arm length that teams are looking for at tackle, but was inconsistent against smaller, speed-rushers at times before coming out a year early.

Position ranking (CBS/National Football Post/Scout): 4, 4, 6

Draft prep: After a poor showing at the combine, reports indicated that there were some serious concerns about his knee. Kouandjio did his best to calm concerns during Alabama’s pro day. “I came back four months after my surgery, I played through all spring ball and played through now,” he said. “I never missed a game or a practice because of my knee. That's not even a worry. It was never a worry for me. And [the negative talk is] starting to clear up, which what I expected.”

Matt Miller’s final mock draft: Second round to Falcons. B/R Draft Top 100: No. 5 offensive tackle. “Questions about Kouandjio's repaired knee will determine his draft positioning, but if healthy, he has room to exceed his draft stock. Kouandjio, like D.J. Fluker last year, could be an instant-impact starter in the NFL.

NFL.com analysis: “Massive, long-limbed, inconsistent, overhyped college left tackle whose sheer dimensions, raw tools and high ceiling are far more appealing than his snap-to-snap performance at this stage of his development. Has enough length and anchor strength to survive on the left side, though he will never be a dancing bear, and he projects more ideally as a bulldozing right tackle in a power scheme.”

What’s being said: NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock believes that Kouandjio will be a first-round pick, perhaps to the Miami Dolphins. “I think he's the guy they probably have to take at 19. They have to make over that offensive line. He would be the highest-rated guy left.”

NFLDraftScout.com: “While each NFL team will rely upon its own medical evaluations, Kouandjio's talent is unquestioned. Massive, strong and surprisingly athletic, Kouandjio offers at least the upside as former teammate D.J. Fluker, the No. 12 overall selection a year ago by the San Diego Chargers. Like Fluker, Kouandjio's best fit in the NFL is likely at right tackle, as he does not possess ideal balance or quickness to handle speed rushers. His length and strength make him an effective pass blocker as he stands and with improved technique, Pro Bowls could be in his future.”

Final thought: ESPN analyst Todd McShay probably summarized it best when he said that Kouandjio is probably a late first-round pick. “If you’re comfortable about his durability,” and, “A lot of teams need tackles.”

Best guess: Late first round.

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The Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller made have summed it up best when it comes to AJ McCarron’s draft prospects, recently tweeting: “It odd to say, but AJ McCarron is really the underdog now. Yes, the 3x national champs from Alabama with the famous fiancé is underrated.”

Although there’s no better prospect when it comes to running a pro-style offense and making NFL-type progression reads, the top tier of quarterbacks is thought to be Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater.

Position ranking (CBS/National Football Post/Scout): 8, 5, 6.

Draft prep: McCarron was invited to play in his hometown Senior Bowl, but declined in order to heal up and recover from a foot procedure. However, he had a strong performance both at the NFL combine and on Alabama’s pro day, when he had good zip on his throws and connected with nearly all of his deep throws.

Matt Miller’s final mock draft: Third round to Bengals. B/R Draft Top 100: No. 8 quarterback. “McCarron spent five seasons at a premium college football program, so it's reasonable to think he's already developed as much as he's going to. The areas where he's strong — mechanics, accuracy and decision-making — are good, but his lack of arm strength and asking him to play in an offense without an all-world offensive line could cause drastic results.”

NFL.com analysis: “An efficient game-managing quarterback who has shown he can carry an offense at times throughout his career, but more often is dependent on a terrific supporting cast. Grades out most highly for his intangibles and decision-making, knowing when and where to go with the ball, and could earn an NFL starting job.”

What’s being said: “AJ had a solid career,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “He's better than the 'average Alabama quarterback,' but in this particular draft he's going to be a second or third-round pick. I don't think it's a bad thing. I think that's probably where he belongs. He's going to have an opportunity at some point to become a starting quarterback in the NFL.”

NFLDraftScout.com: “McCarron plays like a seasoned veteran with good leadership traits and is always under control, flashing clutch ability and the moment never seems too big. His arm strength and ball placement are just good enough, but far from ideal for the next level. A proven winner, McCarron won't make a lot of mistakes, but he can also be underwhelming as a passer and projects as a borderline NFL starter — too good to be a back-up, but not quite starting material either.”

Final thought: McCarron could be selected in the first round, but he needs everything to fall just the right way. It’s more likely that he’ll be snatched up in the second round.

Best guess: Second round.

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Of all the Alabama players available in this year’s draft, no one’s stock has gone up more than wide receiver Kevin Norwood. A few months ago he was though to probably be a late-round pick, but now there are rumblings that he could potentially hear his name called at the end of the second day of the draft.

Position ranking (CBS/National Football Post/Scout): 20, 22, 18.

Draft prep: After catching four passes for 53 years, including a touchdown, Norwood was named the most outstanding player of the South Team at the Senior Bowl. He also turned a lot of heads by notching an unofficial 4.39 time in the 40 at the combine, even though his official time wound up being 4.8. He subsequently did what he usually did at Alabama, catch nearly every ball thrown his way.

Matt Miller’s final mock draft: Third round to Giants. B/R Draft Top 100: No. 19 wide receiver/tight end. “As an older player (he will turn 25 on September 23), Norwood is maxed out athletically. Coming out of a pro-style atmosphere and system at Alabama, it's reasonable to wonder how much better he can get at the position.”

NFL.com analysis: “Quicker-than-fast possession receiver with trusted hands a quarterback cherishes in critical situations. Could develop into a reliable, third-down option route runner. Is best with free releases in the slot.”

What’s being said: “Kevin is a crafty receiver that uses his 10 1/8-inch hands to consistently grab the football out of the air even when defenders are close,” Phil Savage said in his Senior Bowl evaluation. “He does not have the most compelling speed or quickness, but has a knack for getting himself open and making the contested catch.”

NFLDraftScout.com: “He needs to get stronger to better beat press coverage and hold up vs. physical defenders, but he is a mature route runner with excellent hand/eye coordination and reflexes at the catch point. Norwood isn’t a speed demon, but he accelerates well with natural body control. He isn’t elite in any one area, but solid across the board. He was somewhat overlooked and underutilized at Alabama, but could end up having a better pro than college career.”

Final thought: Although it’s a deep pool of wide receivers this year, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is very high on Norwood. During a recent three-round mock exercise with colleague Todd McShay, he took him with Seattle’s pick at the end of the second round. “One thing Norwood does really well is find ways to get open after plays break down,” he said at the time. “That's a useful skill with Russell Wilson at QB."

Best guess: Third round.

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One of our favorite assessments of this year’s Alabama draft class was the following by NFLDraftScout.com about defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan: “Built like a Coke machine — wide and heavy — and is just as difficult to move.”

Although he received a third-round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, Pagan made the jump to the NFL a year early due to the injury risk, as he once blew out his knee as a high school senior before attending Alabama.

Position ranking (CBS/National Football Post/Scout): 21, 15, 11.

Draft prep: Although his size makes him an option at either end or defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, Pagan played with a shoulder injury last season. Lingering problems kept him from fully working out for NFL officials, and he had surgery after the combine.

Matt Miller’s final mock draft: Sixth round to Titans. B/R Draft Top 100: Not listed.

NFL.com analysis: “Thickly built, relatively nondescript contributor who decided to forgo his senior season despite never establishing himself as a force. Has size and strength to warrant developmental consideration as a five-technique, but lacks exceptional traits and will have to commit to handling the dirty work to have longevity.”

What’s being said: When he announced his early departure from Alabama, Pagan said, “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity for being here. There was a time when I thought I’d never be able to play football again. Being able to play here and achieve so much.”

NFLDraftScout.com: “The same traits that earned Pagan his lofty prep grades will excite NFL scouts. Pagan projects best as a defensive end in a traditional 3-4 alignment or at defensive tackle in a four-man front due to his size and strength. He offers little in terms of pass rush ability.”

Final thought: Pagan has a reputation for big a hard worker who works well with coaches, but his draft stock definitely took a hit due to the shoulder. The question is, how much of a hit?

Best guess: Fifth round.

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Back in February, Mike Mayock of the NFL Network was asked which Alabama players stood out to him for the draft, and part of his response may have surprised some people.

“I like the [Ed] Stinton kid from Alabama,” the analyst said. “He might be a third-fourth rounder, but I like him.”

Stinson isn’t flashy and didn’t’ put up gaudy numbers, but he’s one of those big, powerful players that winning teams seem to have in abundance.

Position ranking (CBS/National Football Post/Scout): 19, 8, 13.

Draft prep: Received an invitation to play in the Sugar Bowl, but had to pull out due to a groin injury that he played with last season. He didn’t participate in any drills in Indianapolis.

Matt Miller’s final mock draft: Fifth round to Redskins. B/R Draft Top 100: Not listed.

NFL.com analysis: “Long-framed, long-armed, prototype five-technique capable of kicking inside and manning the nose. Very impressive strength and power. Can play anywhere along a ‘30’ front. An underrated cog in a defense, Stinson could play a long time in the league and might never receive his due outside the building.”

What’s being said: "I wish I was able to go this week and prove to the coaches that I can pass rush," Stinson told AL.com at the combine. "They think I can't pass rush. That's why I came up to see how I felt and see what my goals can be."

NFLDraftScout.com: “He recorded ‘just’ 5.5 sacks over his career and does not possess ideal burst or acceleration to qualify as a traditional pass-rushing defensive end but his durability, position and scheme versatility and underrated athletic traits could earn him top 100 consideration despite less-than-eye-popping statistics.”

Final thought: Stinson’s name will be in play during the third round, but things need to fall right to go that quickly.

Best guess: Fourth round.

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Crimson Tide players who were not invited to the NFL combine, and are not expected to be drafted, but could sign as free agents:

Kenny Bell: The wide receiver finished his career with 50 receptions for 879 yards and six touchdowns, but shattered his leg against Auburn in 2012, requiring a stabilizing rod to be inserted. Still, he has good speed and ran the 40 in 4.52 seconds during Alabama’s pro day.

Cade Foster: NFLDraftScout.com rates him the 10th best kicker in the draft. Something that might help get Foster into a training camp is that he made numerous tackles in kick coverage.

John Fulton: Considering that he only started four of 49 games played for the Crimson Tide, the cornerback has to be considered a long shot. He ran the 40 in roughly 4.5 seconds during Alabama’s pro day, and will have to prove to teams that he can contribute on special teams.

Tana Patrick: The linebacker never cracked the starting lineup, but he’s a versatile player who can play special teams, which may be enough to get him a look as a free agent.

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