Demarcco Hellams shares what separates him from other Alabama safeties

Alabama is sending three safeties to the NFL this season, with Jordan Battle, Brian Branch, and Demarcco Hellams all hoping to get drafted. All three were on the field at the same time while playing for the Crimson Tide as well, becoming a staple in the secondary over the past few years. Even so, there is still some competition within the group.

Hellams was asked what separates him as a player compared to the other two. He began by saying they are all still friends but laid out his quality traits as a player. Versatility was mentioned, proving he was able to play multiple safety positions in Tuscaloosa.

“Those are my guys,” Hellams said when speaking to the media on Thursday at the NFL Combine. “We all have different things that we bring to the game. I think I have great instincts, my passion that I have for the game. My versatility I have as well.”

From a pure positional standpoint, Battle and Hellams were the two high look for Alabama. Branch was a little different, playing nickel the majority of the time. This gave then-defensive coordinator Pete Golding the opportunity to get three talented players on the field at the same time.

Of the three, Branch is expected to hear his name selected first. Some mock drafts have him as high as a first-round draft pick, with versatility being a huge advantage in his corner. NFL teams would have the ability to play him in three different positions if desired.

But Hellams is not going to doubt his own abilities. There is a reason he was a multi-year starter at Alabama during his four years on campus. He led the team in tackles during the 2022 season and finished sixth overall in the SEC.

It’s highly unlikely we see any of the trio find their way onto the same team. Teams are going to want to select different positions throughout the seven rounds. The likelihood of someone selecting two Alabama safeties in the same class is low.

However, they will always be remembered for their work together. Having three guys from the same position get drafted in the same year is an incredible achievement, no matter the program. Hellams is just lucky they can all still be friends — even while still competing against one another at the NFL Combine.