Alabama football's best available players in NFL draft: Top prospects for Day 2
Chase GoodbreadAlabama made it's usual early noise in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday with three first-round selections.
That makes 47 first-round selections from Alabama under retired coach Nick Saban over his 17-year tenure at UA, a record for any coach at one school. Offensive tackle JC Latham went to the Tennessee Titans at No. 7 overall, followed by linebacker Dallas Turner to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 17 overall. Finally, cornerback Terrion Arnold was chosen by the Detroit Tigers at No. 24. Arnold brings a complete skill set to the Lions as one of the NFL draft's most promising selections, and will join former UA teammate Brian Branch in the Lions secondary.
But what does Alabama have left for NFL clubs on the second day of the draft on Friday? Day 2 comprises the second and third rounds before giving way to Saturday's finish of Rounds 4-7.
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Most of Alabama's remaining draft prospects are projected to be selected Saturday over the draft's final four rounds, or as undrafted free agents, who are free to sign with any NFL club after the draft concludes. However, there are a couple of notable talents who could hear their names called on Friday. Here are Alabama's primary possibilities for Day 2 selections:
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, junior
McKinstry (6-0, 199 pounds) was considered a strong contender to be selected late in the first round, but went undrafted on Thursday. That makes him a name to watch on Friday as one of the most likely prospects to be chosen early in Round 2, and he could be an immediate starter at a premium position at the pro level. He offers excellent coverage skills and special teams ability, having broken up 23 passes in his career with a punt return average of 11.9 yards. Clubs in need of a cornerback that didn't address the position in the first round include the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots.
Chris Braswell, LB, redshirt junior
In his fourth year at Alabama, Braswell (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) parlayed the most productive season of his college career into being a potential top-100 selection in the 2024 NFL draft. The talented edge rusher recorded eight sacks for the Crimson Tide last season, as well as an interception returned for a touchdown, and three forced fumbles. Quality pass rushers at the pro level are hard to find, which could bode well for the Baltimore native. Clubs in need of an edge rusher that didn't address the position in the first round include the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.
Jermaine Burton, WR, senior
Burton established himself as Alabama's clear WR1 last season and boosted his draft stock at the same time. The 6-foot, 195-pounder averaged a robust 20.5 yards per catch with a team-high eight receiving touchdowns, showing a knack for judging the deep ball and beating cornerbacks for contested catches deep downfield. He'll most likely be selected in Round 3, but could slip to Round 4 or 5 on Saturday. Clubs in need of a wide receiver that didn't address the position in the first round include New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.
Alabama's NFL Draft-eligible players
JC Latham - Tennessee Titans, No. 7 overall.
Dallas Turner - Minnesota Vikings, No. 17 overall.
Terrion Arnold - Detroit Lions, No. 24 overall.
Kool-Aid McKinstry - Likely Day 2 selection.
Chris Braswell - Likely Day 2 selection.
Jermaine Burton - Likely Day 2 selection.
Will Reichard - Likely Day 3 selection or undrafted free agent.
Justin Eboigbe - Likely Day 3 selection or undrafted free agent.
Jase McClellan - Likely Day 3 selection or undrafted free agent.
Jaylen Key - Likely Day 3 selection or undrafted free agent.
Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread.