Jets News: Former Alabama Stars & NFL Draft Predictions
Is the New York Jets' future intertwined with the legacy of the Alabama Crimson Tide? The recent moves, draft predictions, and coaching connections strongly suggest that the answer is a resounding yes, as the Jets actively seek to infuse their roster with talent forged in the crucible of Tuscaloosa.
It's been a week of mixed fortunes for former Alabama Crimson Tide players associated with the New York Jets. While the NFL season remains in its planning stages, the ripples of the college game continue to influence professional decisions. Safety Jaylen Key found himself waived by the Jets, a harsh reality for a player hoping to make his mark in the league. Key, drafted with the final pick of the recent draft, earning him the unfortunate title of "Mr. Irrelevant" for the year, faced an uphill battle from the outset. Similarly, linebacker Ronnie Harrison also experienced a setback, highlighting the cutthroat nature of professional football.
Beyond these individual player movements, the broader narrative of the Jets' connection to Alabama looms large. The team's interest in former Crimson Tide stars, their consideration of Alabama players in the draft, and even their potential pursuit of coaching talent with ties to the program all point to a deliberate strategy. The influence of Nick Saban's coaching tree, and the successful blueprint he established at Alabama, appears to be a key component of the Jets' organizational plans.
In the past, players like safety Shyheim Carter have been signed as undrafted free agents, hoping to make a name for themselves with the team. The presence of Will Anderson Jr., a standout defensive end with the Houston Texans, who also attended Alabama, further underscores this trend. The connection runs deep, with individuals like Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley acknowledging the impact of former Alabama players on his own career. It is also important to note the impact that the coaches that have had from the program. Mike Locksley, a former Alabama offensive coordinator, has been mentioned for a head coach position within the New York Jets organization, adding another layer to the already multifaceted relationship between the two organizations.
However, not every player makes the grade, and the Jets recently parted ways with a popular team captain, demonstrating the difficult choices inherent in building a winning roster. Injuries, too, play their part, as evidenced by players like this athlete who played in only a few games due to injury.
The potential for an Alabama reunion within the Jets' organization is not merely limited to player acquisitions. The draft looms large as a potential avenue for the team to secure even more talent from the Crimson Tide. There are rumors that they will draft Jalen Milroe in the second or third round of the next draft. This is only a prediction for the Jets organization.
As the Jets seek to establish a winning culture, the influence of Alabama's winning pedigree could prove crucial. The team owner, Woody Johnson, is looking to make changes to the coaching staff, showing they are looking for more success in the league. The team is looking to the success from the Alabama Crimson Tide team to propel them to the super bowl.
The pro football hall of famer remains the first and only quarterback to lead the jets to the super bowl back in january 1969, when he made good on one of sports most famous guarantees.
The following table contains the information of some of the notable players associated with the New York Jets and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
| Player | Position | College | Notable Achievements/Notes | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Key | Safety | Alabama | Drafted by the Jets; waived by the team | NFL.com - 2024 NFL Draft |
| Ronnie Harrison | Linebacker | Alabama | Former Tide Linebacker | RollTide.com |
| Shyheim Carter | Safety | Alabama | Agreed to terms with the Jets as an undrafted rookie | NewYorkJets.com |
| Will Anderson Jr. | Defensive End | Alabama | Played for the Houston Texans, former Alabama Star | HoustonTexans.com |
| Jalen Milroe | Quarterback | Alabama | Draft Prospect, Potential Jets Draft Pick | ESPN.com |
| C.J. Mosley | Linebacker | Alabama | Jets Linebacker, owes NFL career to former Alabama Star | NewYorkJets.com |
| Mike Locksley | Offensive Coordinator/Head Coach | Alabama/Maryland | Former Alabama Offensive Coordinator interviewing for Jets HC position | ESPN.com |
| Garrett Wilson | Wide Receiver | Ohio State | Targeted by Aaron Rodgers | NewYorkJets.com |
The New York Jets and the Alabama Crimson Tide have a relationship that appears to be more than just a coincidence. The upcoming draft class is likely to have some of the most talented players. With a number of players who have come out of Alabama, it is a no brainer that the New York Jets is looking at a number of the players. With the number of connections with coaches, and players, it makes a clear narrative that the future is in Alabama. The team owner, Woody Johnson, made the bold decision of switching up the coaching staff. The relationship between the Jets and Alabama will be interesting to watch over the coming seasons.
