NFL Draft: ESPN projecting two Alabama players go in Round 2
The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft is officially in the books. Alabama saw two of its former players, offensive tackle Evan Neal and wide receiver Jameson Williams, get selected. Now, it’s time to turn our attention to the second and third rounds, which will start on Friday night at 6 p.m. CT.
On Friday morning, Steve Muench of ESPN released a second-round mock draft. How many Crimson Tide players were included? Surprisingly, only two. Let’s take a look at the projections and then give our reactions to which guys did and didn’t make the list.
49. New Orleans Saints: DT Phidarian Mathis
What ESPN had to say: “Mathis is a tough run-stopper who made strides as a pass-rusher last season at Alabama, and he could push for the starting role opposite David Onyemata.”
Our reaction: This feels about right for Mathis. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound defender isn’t a physical specimen that’s going to wow NFL evaluators athletically, but he’s going to play in the league for a long time. As Muench said, Mathis is a great run-stopping presence who offers more upside as a pass-rusher than you’d expect.
His 9 sacks last season finished second amongst Alabama defenders, trailing only Will Anderson. With the Saints having a clear need for another impactful interior presence, Mathis will have ample opportunities to claim a significant role sooner rather than later.
63. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Christian Harris
What ESPN had to say: “Ideally the Bengals bring in a linebacker capable of pushing Germaine Pratt for the starting spot opposite Logan Wilson. Harris is a sideline-to-sideline run-defender who can hold up on third down.”
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Our reaction: At one time, Harris was considered a borderline first-round pick. Slowly, he’s fallen down some draft boards, but at least he’d offer great value on the back half of Round 2. Pratt is a former third-round pick whose play has been up and down over the last four years.
In other words, Harris can push for early playing time — and maybe even a starting job — for the reigning Super Bowl runner-ups. That wouldn’t be a bad gig at all. As we saw at Alabama, the Baton Rouge native can be an effective off-ball linebacker as he gets comfortable.
Surprising absence: WR John Metchie
The most surprising absence in this second-round mock is former Alabama receiver Metchie. With the way pass-catchers were targeted — both draftees and established veterans via trades — in Round 1, I’d be shocked if Metchie didn’t go off the board in Round 2, even with the injury.
As for other former Tide standouts, keep an eye on Brian Robinson, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Josh Jobe and Christopher Allen. Any of those guys could hear their names called at some point during the second or third round on Friday night.
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