5 Alabama players to watch out for in Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft ft. Kool-Aid McKinstry
After a trio of Alabama players were selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Alabama is anything but finished.
Rounds two and three of the draft will take place on Friday. Alabama figures to have several more players picked, including CB Kool-Aid McKinstry. Here's the rundown on five Tide players, from those nearly certain to those possible to be picked on Friday.
Five Alabama players to watch out for in Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft
#1 Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB
McKinstry was a five-star recruit and has had a flashy career at Alabama. Coming into the season, his position would likely have flipped with CB Terrion Arnold, who went to Detroit with the 24th pick. But Arnold had an outstanding 2023, while McKinstry had an uneven season.
At just under six-feet and 200 pounds, McKinstry has plenty of speed (4.47 second 40 yard dash). He broke up 25 passes in three seasons at Alabama but has to be more consistent at the next level. Still, he could be an early second-round pick and could plausibly be an NFL star.
#2 Chris Braswell, Edge
Braswell was a five-star prospect whose stock steadily rose at Alabama. He only started two games in his career, but in 2023, he had 42 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. At six-foot-three and nearly 260 pounds, Braswell excelled in part because of his 4.60 second 40 yard dash speed.
Braswell has all the physical tools to be a successful NFL edge rusher. He doesn't have a ton of experience and might be a bit undersized. At the least, he's a situational pass rusher for third downs.At most, he could be a top-flight NFL starter. Braswell is a very plausible second day pick.
#3 Jermaine Burton, WR
A four-star recruit by Georgia, Burton spent two seasons with the Tide. Burton caught 132 passes for 2,376 yards and 23 touchdowns in his college career. He led the tide in receiving yards in 2022 and 2023. At just over six-feet and 200 pounds, Burton, with his 4.45-second speed in the 40 yard dash, is impressive.
The question with Burton is how high his upside can be. He has been a solid contributor for two of the top programs in the nation. However, he lacked discpline and failed to consistently perform at the top level.
Burton could be a third round selection for a team that sees his relatively high floor and wants to gamble on coaching him into a larger role.
#4 Justin Eboigbe, DL
Eboigbe had played a contributing role at Alabama since 2019, but stepped up his game in 2023. The six-foot-four, 295 pound lineman had 63 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2023. The biggest issue against Eboigbe is his lack of prior production and his medical history.
Eboigbe missed most of the 2022 season with a spinal injury. There are significant concerns that any sort of further neck or back trouble could threaten his career. If he's healthy and able to build on his senior season, he's a potentially big contributor.
Eboigbe could be a second-day pick but is probably more likely to slide to the third day of the draft based on his medical situation.
#5 Will Reichard, K
Kickers aren't often high draft picks, but it's a situation based almost entirely off team need. Reichard could be worth a reach. Reichard is 84-for-100 on field goals and 295-of-297 on extra points. His range comfortably extends beyond 50 yards, and his accuracy is excellent.
Reichard is more likely a third day pick or even a free agent. It's not a statement against his production or potential, but special teams draft picks are still uncommon. Nevertheless, it only takes one team to go against the trend.
Which Tide players do you think will be selected on day two? Weigh in below in our comments section!