A look at the six players from Alabama competing in this year’s Senior Bowl

The Crimson Tide will be well represented in Mobile, Alabama this week as six of their former stars will compete in the Senior Bowl. Safety Jordan Battle and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o withdrew from the showcase last week. However, six Alabama players will don a Crimson Tide helmet for the final time.

Here’s a look at who will represent Alabama and what they aim to prove this week.

DJ Dale, DL

Statistics 2022: 12 games; 17 duels; 3.5 tackles for a loss; 2.5 bags; 1 Quarterback Rush; 1 pass separation.

What he wants to prove: After making a living as a run stuffer in Alabama, Dale will want to show he can contribute to the pass rush too. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle recorded just 5.5 sacks in four seasons at Alabama but spent much of that time battling doubles teams. While Dale’s greatest value will continue to be stopping the run, his ability to show he can deliver an inside pass rush, especially on balanced fronts, could see him moving up draft boards.

Emil Ekiyor, OL

Statistics 2022: 13 games (12 starts); 79.9 pass blocking class; 70.1 Barrel Blocking Degree. (Grades according to Pro Football Focus).

What he wants to prove: Ekiyor has spent the last three seasons as Alabama’s right starting supervisor but will take on some reps at center this week. The 6-foot-3, 307-pound lineman played center during his senior year of high school and might have returned to that position last season had Alabama not been at depth at guard. Ekiyor has nice athleticism and versatility and will try to show both traits during his time in Mobile.

DeMarco Hellams, S

Statistics 2022: 13 games (13 starts); 108 duels; 3 tackles for a loss; 1 sack; 1 Quarterback Rush; 1 forced fumbling; 7-pass separations; 1 interception.

What he wants to prove: Nicknamed “Hitman Hellams” by his teammates who don’t question Hellam’s tackling skills. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound defenseman led the team with 108 stops last season and finished second with a tackle score of 84.2 from Pro Football Focus.

The key this week will show off his mastery of cover. Hellams ranked last among starting Alabama defenders with a 66.4 coverage grade from PFF. According to the service, he allowed opposing quarterbacks a 94.4 NFL quarterback rating for balls thrown in his path and gave up 25 receptions on 40 goals.

Cameron Latu, TE

Statistics 2022: 1st1 games (11 starts); 30 receptions; 377 reception yards; 4 received touchdowns.

What he wants to prove: Latu has been Alabama’s most balanced tight end for the past two seasons, contributing as a blocker while also serving as a reliable pass catcher. However, the 6-foot-5, 244-pounder lacks the elite athleticism that NFL teams covet at this position. If he can show he’s capable of posing a bigger threat in the downfield, it would go a long way in improving his draft inventory.

Tyler Steen, O.L

Statistics 2022: 13 games (13 starts); 74.4 pass blocking class; 64.7 Barrel Blocking Degree.

What he wants to prove: Steen is a solid pass blocker. According to the PFF, he only allowed two sacks over 498 pass-blocking snaps last season. However, NFL scouts will want to see more of him as a run blocker as the 6-foot-5, 315-pound lineman struggled to deliver consistent push.

Byron Young, DL

Statistics 2022: 13 games (13 starts); 48 duels; 5.5 tackles for a loss; 4 bags; 6 quarterback rush; 1 forced fumbling; 2-pass separations.

What he wants to prove: Young was one of the unheralded heroes of Alabama’s defense last season. The 6-foot-3, 292-pound defender has the ability to line up defensively and/or defensive tackle and can be a three-down lineman at the next level. However, scouts will want to see some improvement in the technical parts of his game since he won’t be able to overwhelm offensive linemen as much in the NFL.

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