Tide Rookies Overview Ahead of the NFL Regular Season

The 2024 National Football League season has commenced, and fans can expect a thriller this season. Every year, Alabama produces a significant number of draft picks, and this year’s class is set to make their NFL regular season debut.

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This year, the Tide saw 10 players selected in the draft. Here’s a look at each player’s preseason performance and what to expect from them as the season unfolds.

OT JC Latham- Tennessee Titans 

Latham has received significant acclaim and has sparked optimism within the Titans organization. Shortly after the draft, he gained widespread attention on social media for being one of the few offensive lineman to conquer coach Brian Callahan’s hefty 380-pound blocking sled. Following a productive training period, Latham excelled during the preseason, especially considering the initial concerns about his shift from right tackle to left. The transition appeared seamless for him, as he was among seven tackles who collectively took 50 snaps without surrendering a single sack, quarterback hit, or hurry across two preseason games. Latham has adapted remarkably well within the Titans and has become a key player in their rebuilding efforts.

LB Dallas Turner - Minnesota Vikings 

Turner has been a quarterback’s worst nightmare since college days, and continued to wreak havoc during the preseason. Although he played sparingly, he consistently demonstrated why he was regarded as one of the top past-rushing talents in this year’s draft. In the Vikings’ final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Turner dominated most of his matchups. His standout moment came when he prevented a potential touchdown by sacking quarterback Aidan O’Connell on a crucial third-and-three at the Minnesota 3-yard line. Turner has integrated smoothly into the team, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores is poised to leverage his talents in a variety of schemes.

CB Terrion Arnold- Detroit Lions 

Arnold has made a strong impression on the field in multiple ways. The agile cornerback has been taken all the first-team reps since day one with the Lions’. He and former Tide receiver, Jameson Williams have been pushing each other to improve during practice. In the preseason matchup against the New York Giants, Arnold participated in nine cover snaps across a couple of series, but wasn’t targeted. However, he shed light on his skills during the joint practice leading up to the game.  With his addition, the Lions’ defense is expected to see a significant boost, and when the chance arises, Arnold will be deployed all over the field.

DB Kool-Aid McKinstry- New Orleans Saints 

McKinstry has made a smooth transition in training camp after his surgery in March. He has proven to be a valuable asset in the Saints’deep defensive back room. With his maturity on the field and exceptional skills, he is poised to play a crucial role in maintaining a top-tier defense. His versatility and awareness will be essential for the Saints’ as they prepare to face a host of talented receivers in the NFC South. After wearing #34 during the preseason, he will now don #14 for the regular season.

OLB Chris Braswell- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Braswell has stepped up with the first-team defense due to injuries among veteran players and he has made his presence felt. In the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, he seized his opportunity, he played aggressively, and it resulted in his first NFL sack. He has expressed that he is adapting well and improving daily, and members of the Buccaneers organization have praised his ambition and commitment to growth.

WR Jermaine Burton - Cincinnati Bengals 

Burton is a crafty receiver with a wealth of experience from his college days, and that experience shone through during the preseason. He recorded eight receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns on two targets. While most of his playing time came in the fourth quarter, he showcased his ability to dominate against defenders. As the Bengals’ season unfolds, Burton still has some ground to cover in earning the trust of the organization.

DE Justin Eboigbe- Los Angeles Chargers 

Eboigbe is emerging as a hidden gem for the Chargers’. Although he flew under the radar during the preseason, his film reveals a thrilling playing style. He showcases impressive past-rushing abilities from the interior and also is a solid run defender. His relentless drive and commitment to pursuing the quarterback will mesh perfectly with the Chargers’ defensive strategy. Fans can look forward to a significant impact from Eboigbe in his regular season debut.

RB Jase McClellan - Atlanta Falcons 

McClellan’s blend of patience and ambition has been a driving force behind his achievements. In his preseason opener against Miami, he stood out as the Falcons’ top-rusher, accumulating 55 yards on 11 carries and adding two receptions for 13 yards. Although he became banged up after the matchup, his determination shone through in the Falcons’ second preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, where he found the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown, capping off an impressive 11-play, 80-yard drive with just 36 seconds remaining. McClellan’s ambition is evident; having bided his time at Alabama, his composed demeanor is sure to resonate within the Falcons’ organization, setting the stage for a promising regular season debut.

K Will Reichard- Minnesota Vikings 

Reichard made a memorable impression in his preseason debut, showcasing his  reliable abilities during his single game appearance. The highlight of his performance came when he successfully kicked the game-winning field goal in the Vikings‘ last  preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. He wrapped up his debut with one successful field goal of two attempts, with one being blocked, and he also converted 3 of 3 extra point attempts. Reichard demonstrated that his solid college skills are well suited for the NFL.

S Jaylen Key- New York Jets

“Mr. irrelevant,” proved just how significant he can be. In his preseason debut against the Washington Commanders, he was everywhere on the field, making a crucial play to stop a run and consistently being near the ball. Key finished the game with six tackles. With Ashtyn Davis facing injuries, he might just be ready to take on a major role.

For all updates on Tide rookies, follow along as I will analyze their first season in the NFL.