How Bama Draftees Fit On New Teams

Alabama continued it's remarkable run in the NFL Draft when two more fomer Tide players were selected in the first round.  With the 17th overall pick, the Baltimore Ravens chose linebacker C. J. Mosley to be their middle linebacker of the future.  A few spots later at the 21st overall pick, the Green Bay Packers selected safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to man their much maligned pass defense.  Both players gave a lot to the Crimson Tide over the past 3 years, but how do they fit in with their new teams?

Mosley will be filling a spot once manned by Ray Lewis, one of the all-time great linebackers in NFL history.  Last year, the Ravens missed the playoffs for the first time under John Harbaugh, just one year after winning the Super Bowl.  Part of the reason for the drop-off was the loss of several key defensive players, including Lewis and safety Ed Reed.  Still, there is a ton of talent on the Ravens' D, including an incredible line highlighted by Haloti Ngata and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, so Mosley won't be carrying too heavy of a load.  Also, he should see some familiar faces in former Tide players Terrance Cody and Courtney Upshaw.

Clinton-Dix comes into a much different situation.  Despite having talented defensive players like Clay Matthews, AJ Hawk and BJ Raji, the Packers have struggled defensively, especially in pass coverage.  In fact, the Packers' secondary combined for zero interceptions last year.  Clinton-Dix will have a lot on his shoulders as Packer fans know just a little more defense could turn them into a title contender, as Aaron Rogers leads one of the most prolific offenses in the NFC.  Culturally, the rabid fan base and high expectations at Alabama will definitely have him prepared for the pressures of playing for the NFL's most storied franchise.  He will also be reunited with running back Eddie Lacy, last season's offensive rookie of the year.  Green Bay also plays a 3-4 scheme, similar to what Bama has run since Saban's arrival.

As more players come off the board in the coming rounds, we will have complete analysis of their new teams.  Stay tuned to Tide 99.1 for complete NFL Draft coverage.