4 Alabama players the Jacksonville Jaguars could target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Beau Adams
1. Alabama player the Jacksonville Jaguars could draft: Jordan Battle
. . Game Changing Saftey and Locker Room Leader. . Jordan Battle . 45. 523. player
St. Thomas Aquinas' Jordan Battle was a four-star prospect out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in 2018. Battle won Second-Team All-America accolades from the AFCA and The Sporting News in 2022 for the Tide.
The 6-foot-1, 209-pound star safety ran a 4.55 at the combine showing ideal size and speed. He is a wiry thin safety with good length and athleticism for the position with great instincts as a robber or zone defender. One scouting report states he is reliable in man coverage against tight ends and slot receivers.
His draft profile boasts he offers the size, speed, and pedigree to become a starter early in his NFL career. It continues to say he has the versatility to cover the slot and support versus the run in the box and pursues ball carriers with patience and adequate leverage. Watch this touchdown-saving interception to get an idea of his capabilities.
Blessings!! Roll Tide Forever!! pic.twitter.com/a0lXiKLMBg
— Jordan Battle™️ (@JordanMBattle) January 3, 2023
Some report that Battle has a few weaknesses to overcome in his man-to-man coverages and tackle consistency. These are all things he can work to develop at the next level. His biggest downside is he lacks the power to stop big running backs like Derek Henry.
Battle has many high-level traits, remarkable football IQ, and can provide a blitzing element from the backfield. This is why he would fit in well in Jacksonville, despite the potential of getting bowled over twice a year by Derek Henry.
Mock drafts have him projected to go in the third round, which is easily attainable for the Jaguars. Pairing him with his fellow Crimson Tide backfield safety Brian Branch could make the backfield in Jacksonville formidable for the next decade.
The Jaguars have to add depth and versatility from dependable young but experienced players in the draft. Alabama has four of those the Jags can easily attain. However, if any of them slipped down the draft board to the third day, they would be roster boosting steals for the Jaguars to pounce on.
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