Nov 11, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) and defensive back Shaquan Loyal (6) react after Melton intercepts a pass from Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Deacon Hill (not pictured) during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25 in Detroit, with 32 first-round picks. In the 88 NFL drafts, clubs selected 128 candidates from Alabama high schools and universities in the first round, as well as 29 who were not first-round picks but were in the top 32. AL.com is counting down to the draft by spotlighting players with Alabama football origins who were selected in the first 32 choices.
Less than ten months after the Baltimore Ravens selected Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley at No. 17 in the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Theodore High School standout was playing in the Pro Bowl.
Mosley became the first Baltimore rookie chosen for the Pro Bowl, and he has been selected for the all-star honor four more times while totaling more than 1,000 tackles in nine NFL seasons.
Along the way, Mosley signed an $85 million contract with the New York Jets.
Five candidates from Alabama high schools and colleges were selected 17th in the NFL Draft. They represent a variety of NFL experiences.
While Mosley has enjoyed the most professional success, the most recent No. 17 draft pick with Alabama football roots spent the 2023 season on the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad.
After the Las Vegas Raiders selected Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood at No. 17 in the 2021 NFL Draft, he started the first four games of the season at right tackle before transitioning to right guard for the remainder of the season, totaling 1,105 offensive snaps.
Leatherwood has played only 32 offensive snaps since. Claimed on waivers by the Chicago Bears at the end of the preseason in 2022, Leatherwood played in four games before being waived at the end of the 2023 preseason. This time, he ended up with the Browns and did not play last season.
