LSU vs. Alabama presents 'dream game' for NFL scouts

The annual rivalry between Alabama and LSU is one of the most anticipated games of the year on multiple fronts. For NFL scouts, it provides an opportunity to get a glimpse at some of the top prospects for the upcoming draft and see how they match up against each other.

That will again be the case when the Crimson Tide take on the Tigers on Saturday evening in Tuscaloosa. Some key players to keep an eye on include LSU receiver Malik Nabers and quarterback Jayden Daniels as well as Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry and linebacker Dallas Turner. It will also be interesting to see how Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham fares against Tigers defensive lineman Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo.

Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy joined On3‘s Andy Staples on Tuesday to explain why this matchup is one scouts look forward to every season.

“That’s the game that every scout circles,” he said. “I don’t know what the list is gonna look like for the press box. The Joe Burrow year, I remember going to that game and there was spillover in the press box. They sat all the NFL guys outside in this auxiliary area. We weren’t even in the press box.

“The hard part of watching that game live is training your eyes on which matchup. You’ve got edge rusher against tackle. A linebacker’s going against an interior offensive lineman. Wide receivers, DBs, what have you. It’s a scout’s dream game.”

Alabama has ranked as one of the top defenses in the SEC this season with 16.5 points allowed and 197.6 passing yards allowed per game. Players such as McKinstry, Terrion Arnold and Malachi Moore have been key in achieving that, combining for 14 passes defended and two interceptions.

LSU, on the other hand, leads the SEC with 47.4 points and 339.9 passing yards per game. Nabers leads the conference with 56 catches for 981 yards and nine touchdowns, but the Tigers also have another receiver in the top five with Brian Thomas Jr. For that reason, the matchup of LSU’s passing attack against Alabama’s secondary is a prime one to watch.

However, in addition to what goes on during the game, Nagy is eager to see the pregame preparation for the players. With so much at stake, it’s a chance to see how they handle big moments.

“I love going up and watching those guys for pregame on a big stage game,” he said. “That’s really the closest thing you’ll get to like an NFL playoff atmosphere and that’s what all these guys are drafting players for. They’re drafting players to play in January, so you wanna see how they step up in a big stage like this. I don’t know how many GMs and all that will be up there Saturday, but there’s gonna be a bunch.”

Kickoff between Alabama and LSU is set for 6:45 p.m. CT on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.