Alabama 24, Arkansas 21
Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner is a speed rusher for the NFL, but he has some limitations that make him more of a mid to late first-rounder and that was seen in the game against Arkansas. Against a running based Razorback offense, Turner was a non-factor for the majority of the game. Turner is undersized at 6-foot-4, 230-pounds and that presents limitations for the next level when it comes to run defense while going against offensive tackles that are 70-100 pounds heavier.
In the fourth quarter with Alabama on their heels only up by three, Turner used his speed to dart to the inside and then he powered through the left tackle to get a critical third down sack of K.J. Jefferson that forced a punt. Turner is a dynamic speed rusher, but with his limitations he might be more of a mid to late first-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Early in his college career, Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jefferson looked like he could emerge as a NFL prospect and Jefferson gave a reminder of that kind of potential with how he played at Alabama. Jefferson is a tough runner with some arm talent to push the ball down the field and he is a gamer that never that quits.
After a quiet first half, Jefferson came alive starting with Jefferson rewriting the Arkansas record book with a touchdown pass late in the third quarter. Shortly later he made an amazing play shaking a tackle from Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the pocket and then rolling to his left to find a receiver on an outlet who scooted down the field for a first down. To finish the drive, Jefferson lofted in a third down touchdown pass with a well placed pass in the front of the end zone. With a two-point conversion, that cut the Alabama lead to three points early in the fourth quarter after Jefferson led the way for 15 points to get his team back in the game. Arkansas got some bad breaks that killed the comeback. Jefferson finished completing 14-of-24 passes for 150 yards with two touchdowns. He ran for some key yards as well.
For the NFL, Jefferson has some running ability to go along with size, strength, and toughness. However he needs development as a pocket passer. Jefferson’s footwork is going to need work. He also runs a college read option offense and will have a lot to learn in terms of pro style. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Jefferson looks like a pick in the early rounds of day three.
Alabama right tackle J.C. Latham put together another tape showing that he is a first-round talent for the 2024 NFL Draft. Latham was superb in pass protection locking up edge rushers and sustaining blocks through the whistle. He also was effective in the ground game showing his power to knock defenders back and keep them from getting in on tackles.
The 6-foot-6, 326-pound Latham has a good skill set and a ton of upside. Latham did not give up a sack in 2022 and allowed very few pressures while manning right tackle. There is no doubt that Latham is a powerful kid with the ability to generate movement at the point of attack. He makes winning blocks look easy with serious strength and an ability to sustain. However, Latham is more of a right tackle than a left tackle for the NFL given his feet and movement skills.
LSU transfer Landon Jackson had a breakout game for Arkansas as he was having his way with the Alabama left tackle. Jackson showed a strong rip move to get a sack, and then shortly later he tossed his blocker to the side with a counter to the inside for another sack of Jalen Milroe. Midway through the second half Jackson used his hands to shed the block and loop around the outside to get another sack of the quarterback. Jackson was a one man wrecking crew that was helping to get the ball back for a struggling Razorback offense. He totaled 3.5 sacks, a tackle for a loss, and some tackles in the ground game.
The 6-foot-7, 280-pound Jackson is strong at the point of attack with good length to keep blockers from getting into his chest. Jackson is a junior that had two sacks entering this game after recording three sacks in 2022. He has upside and could emerge as a nice prospect for the 2024 or 2025 NFL Draft.