NFL scouts agree: Tide's D could play on Sundays

[Coach Hank Crisp]

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It was while watching Alabama's utter demolition of Florida two weeks ago, the thought occurred: How would this Crimson Tide defense fare on Sunday?

The idea seems preposterous: Pitting a college defense, made of up of 19- to 22-year-olds on the field against against older men who make millions in the NFL because they are the best of the best.

Nevertheless, speed-wise, size-wise, scheme-wise, Alabama looks like an NFL defense. I'd love to see it.

Turns out I am not alone.

I spent Tuesday talking to five different NFL scouts and scouting directors about Alabama's defense, which will be on display in Oxford Saturday when the No. 2-ranked Crimson Tide plays at Ole Miss. All talked on the condition of anonymity, which is what their employers demand. All had pretty much the same spiel.

"I had seen them on TV and on tape, but I was down on the field before they played Arkansas," said one NFL team's chief talent evaluator. "They really look like an NFL team. You hear people say that, but with them it's true. That defense is huge, bigger than most NFL teams. Not just the linemen, but the cornerbacks, the linebackers, the safeties. And they can all run. That secondary. ... it's the best secondary I've ever seen in college football."

Most college teams would be happy with one future NFL talent playing cornerback. Said one scout: "I think Alabama has three NFL cornerbacks. They can not only cover but they can tackle. They love to tackle."

[Hannibal Lecter, MD]

If that doesn't make you swell up with pride I don't know what will.   

[pmull]

Most of those guys will be in the NFL in 1-3 years. 

We have non-starters that are waiting on their turn to play that will be in the NFL in a few years.

[2Stater]

Prolly the deepest team Bama's ever had. Other team's O's have to be scared to death lining up against our speedy giants.

[bama87]

Somebody posted earlier that Alabama's D is rank 33rd...The other 32 play on Sunday. I would agree with that.

[2Stater]

I loved Lou Holtz' comment the other day about the top 3 defenses in the country being Alabama, LSU and Green Bay......and in that order. 

[Jamos]

I'll have an opinion after the LSU game. 

[Old Tider]

I think it was a Penn State fan who said he gave up when he saw the size of Bama's players as they warmed up.

[2Stater]

I'll have an opinion after the LSU game. 

Me too, J, but I like our chances. 

[Jamos]

I'll have an opinion after the LSU game. 

Me too, J, but I like our chances. 

Yes!! 

[Marshal Dillon]

Most of those guys will be in the NFL in 1-3 years. 

We have non-starters that are waiting on their turn to play that will be in the NFL in a few years.

Sadly, I expect to lose almost all of them to the 2012 NFL Draft. That includes:

Lester- S   Jr.
Dre- DB    Jr
Barron-S   Sr.
Menzie-CB Sr.

Hightower-LB  Jr.
Upshaw-LB     Sr.
Harris-LB        Sr.

Not to mention the graduations of:

Chapman-NT
Watkins-LB (possible late round draft pick)
Jones, P.-CB
Gentry-NT
Jordan-LB

And these are just the defensive losses!


 

[2Stater]

Most of those guys will be in the NFL in 1-3 years. 

We have non-starters that are waiting on their turn to play that will be in the NFL in a few years.

Sadly, I expect to lose almost all of them to the 2012 NFL Draft. That includes:

Lester- S   Jr.
Dre- DB    Jr
Barron-S   Sr.
Menzie-CB Sr.

Hightower-LB  Jr.
Upshaw-LB     Sr.
Harris-LB        Sr.

Not to mention the graduations of:

Chapman-NT
Watkins-LB (possible late round draft pick)
Jones, P.-CB
Gentry-NT
Jordan-LB

And these are just the defensive losses!


 

That's incredible when you think about. 11 starters on "D". 12 will prolly go pro.

[cbbama99]

Most of those guys will be in the NFL in 1-3 years. 

We have non-starters that are waiting on their turn to play that will be in the NFL in a few years.

Sadly, I expect to lose almost all of them to the 2012 NFL Draft. That includes:

Lester- S   Jr.
Dre- DB    Jr
Barron-S   Sr.
Menzie-CB Sr.

Hightower-LB  Jr.
Upshaw-LB     Sr.
Harris-LB        Sr.

Not to mention the graduations of:

Chapman-NT
Watkins-LB (possible late round draft pick)
Jones, P.-CB
Gentry-NT
Jordan-LB

And these are just the defensive losses!


 

Let's cross that bridge after the season. Then I'll start puking my guts out over losing that much talent.

[2Stater]

Most of those guys will be in the NFL in 1-3 years. 

We have non-starters that are waiting on their turn to play that will be in the NFL in a few years.

Sadly, I expect to lose almost all of them to the 2012 NFL Draft. That includes:

Lester- S   Jr.
Dre- DB    Jr
Barron-S   Sr.
Menzie-CB Sr.

Hightower-LB  Jr.
Upshaw-LB     Sr.
Harris-LB        Sr.

Not to mention the graduations of:

Chapman-NT
Watkins-LB (possible late round draft pick)
Jones, P.-CB
Gentry-NT
Jordan-LB

And these are just the defensive losses!


 

Let's cross that bridge after the season. Then I'll start puking my guts out over losing that much talent.

CB, I think the chrystal trophy will make you feel better.

[Hannibal Lecter, MD]

I don't see Lester going pro after this season.  It takes an incredible safety to crack the first round.  Right now I'm guessing he'd go 3rd or 4th.

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