Three Storylines About Alabama to Keep an Eye on During Senior Bowl Week

The Senior Bowl is one of the most important events on the NFL draft calendar, offering an opportunity for college seniors to showcase their talents in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers from every NFL team. For Alabama, a program known for producing NFL talent year after year, this week presents another chance for players to elevate their stock and make a lasting impression as they prepare to take the next step in their football careers.

As one of the premier college football programs, Alabama always has a strong presence at the Senior Bowl, and 2024 is no different. With several former Crimson Tide players being invited to participate, the Senior Bowl offers Alabama fans a chance to see their top prospects compete against the nation’s best as they attempt to impress NFL evaluators. For Alabama, the event is more than just a showcase of individual talent; it’s also an opportunity to assess how the program’s development under Nick Saban has prepared players for the next level.

This article highlights three major storylines surrounding Alabama football during Senior Bowl week. From key players with something to prove to questions about Alabama’s developmental process, these narratives will be crucial in understanding how the Senior Bowl impacts the Crimson Tide’s prospects and their futures in the NFL.

1. The Development of Alabama’s Quarterbacks in the NFL Spotlight

Alabama has seen a remarkable lineage of quarterbacks come through its program, but the development of its signal-callers at the NFL level has been a bit of a mixed bag in recent years. With the Senior Bowl serving as a significant event for quarterbacks, all eyes will be on Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s most prominent quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Milroe is a dual-threat quarterback with an impressive skill set that makes him an intriguing NFL prospect. However, his development as a passer has been a point of discussion throughout his time at Alabama.

Milroe had a solid career as Alabama’s starting quarterback, filling in after Bryce Young departed for the NFL. Despite showing flashes of brilliance with his legs and powerful arm, Milroe’s passing game, particularly his accuracy, remained a question mark. He showcased his ability to make throws under pressure, but also struggled with consistency at times. This is where the Senior Bowl offers Milroe an opportunity to prove that he’s ready to take the next step in his development.

Key Question: Can Jalen Milroe improve his passing consistency?

Milroe’s biggest task during Senior Bowl week is proving that he can be more than just a dynamic athlete. NFL scouts will want to see improved accuracy, especially in intermediate and deep throws, as well as his decision-making under pressure. Milroe is capable of being a game-changer with his mobility and ability to improvise in the pocket, but NFL teams will need to see whether he can transition his college success into the pro ranks as a complete quarterback.

Milroe’s performance during the Senior Bowl practices, where he will be surrounded by some of the best college football players, will be closely scrutinized. Can he deliver the football with precision, and can he read defenses and make quick decisions in real-time? These are the key factors that could determine whether Milroe is viewed as a developmental prospect or if he has the potential to be a starter in the NFL.

In addition to his raw talent, Milroe will also have to prove that his time under head coach Nick Saban has adequately prepared him for the mental and tactical side of professional football. Saban is known for developing quarterbacks who understand the intricacies of the game and for teaching them how to read defenses and make quick decisions. If Milroe can demonstrate his readiness to succeed in these areas during Senior Bowl practices, he could significantly boost his draft stock.

2. Alabama’s Defensive Line: A Group of Rising Stars Ready for the NFL

Another storyline to keep an eye on during Senior Bowl week is Alabama’s defensive line, which has produced a slew of high-end NFL talent under Saban’s leadership. This year, there are a few key players from Alabama’s front seven who have the potential to shine in Mobile, Alabama, and help solidify their place in the NFL Draft. One of the most highly anticipated players is Jaheim Oatis, a monstrous defensive tackle who has drawn attention for his raw physicality and potential.

Oatis, who has only been at Alabama for a short time, has demonstrated the physical tools to be a dominant force on the defensive line. He stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs over 330 pounds, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. While he has shown flashes of brilliance at Alabama, Oatis has yet to put together a full, consistent season, and the Senior Bowl provides him with the opportunity to prove that he can succeed at the next level. In addition to Oatis, players like Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell, who have excelled as edge rushers for the Tide, will also be looking to make their mark during Senior Bowl practices.

Key Question: Can Alabama’s defensive line prospects elevate their draft stock?

As always, the Senior Bowl offers scouts a chance to evaluate how well defensive linemen perform against top-tier offensive talent. The best defensive linemen in the country will be competing in a highly competitive environment, and the ability to generate pressure, play with leverage, and show versatility in both run defense and pass rushing will be key for Alabama’s defensive line prospects.

For Oatis, the key will be proving that he can refine his technique and decision-making, as his physical traits are already undeniable. His size and strength allow him to control the line of scrimmage, but he will need to demonstrate more consistency in his hand placement, gap control, and pursuit of the quarterback. Turner and Braswell will also need to showcase their ability to win with speed, power, and finesse against some of the best offensive linemen in the country.

NFL teams are constantly looking for high-upside defensive line prospects, especially those who can disrupt the quarterback and be strong against the run. If Oatis, Turner, and Braswell can demonstrate that they possess the skills to play in a variety of defensive schemes at the next level, they could significantly boost their draft stock and move up the rankings in what is expected to be a deep defensive line class.

3. Alabama’s Receiving Corps: Who Will Step Up and Prove Their Worth?

While Alabama has consistently produced star wide receivers under Nick Saban, one area where the program has struggled in recent years is in developing elite wideouts who can make an immediate impact in the NFL. In the 2024 Senior Bowl, several Alabama wide receivers will look to prove that they are the next big thing. With prospects like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond headlining the receiving group, there’s an opportunity for these players to showcase their abilities in front of NFL scouts.

Burton, a former Georgia transfer, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his time at Alabama but has yet to fully realize his potential. While he’s been a reliable target for the Crimson Tide, Burton has had some inconsistencies with his route running and ability to get separation at times. However, his raw talent—especially his speed and ability to make contested catches—has always been evident, and the Senior Bowl will give him the chance to show scouts that he can develop into a top-tier wide receiver.

Similarly, Isaiah Bond, a speedy and elusive wideout, will be looking to prove that he can be an NFL-caliber receiver. Bond has excellent quickness and is a major threat in the open field, but the Senior Bowl will be an opportunity for him to demonstrate that he can run precise routes, create separation, and be a reliable pass-catcher at the next level.

Key Question: Which Alabama receiver will stand out and separate themselves from the competition?

While Alabama’s receiving corps has been solid, the program has not had the same high-impact wide receiver in recent years as it did with players like Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, and Devonta Smith. This year, Burton and Bond will need to show that they have the potential to fill that role in the NFL.

The Senior Bowl provides a unique opportunity for both Burton and Bond to demonstrate their skills against other top receivers in the draft. Burton will need to show that he can win against top-tier cornerbacks and that his playmaking ability is consistent. Bond, on the other hand, will have to prove that his speed and agility can translate into high-level production, especially as NFL teams look for quick and dynamic receivers.

For both players, Senior Bowl week is an important stage in their draft evaluation. NFL teams are always looking for receivers who can make an immediate impact, and this event could help determine whether these Alabama receivers are viewed as future contributors or if they need more time to develop.

The Alabama Influence at Senior Bowl Week

As usual, Alabama will be well-represented at the Senior Bowl, and there will be plenty of eyes on the Crimson Tide players looking to prove their worth in front of NFL scouts and coaches. The three key storylines—Jalen Milroe’s development as a quarterback, the rise of Alabama’s defensive line prospects, and the question of which receiver will step up—are critical to understanding how the Senior Bowl will shape Alabama’s draft prospects for 2024.

This week will provide a crucial opportunity for these players to demonstrate their skills, address any lingering questions, and potentially boost their draft stock. For Alabama, the Senior Bowl represents another important chapter in its legacy of producing NFL talent and showcasing the program’s ability to prepare players for the next level. As fans and scouts alike tune in, the performances of these players could have a significant impact on the trajectory of their careers in the NFL.