Linebacker Mack Wilson, who was selected in the fifth round by the Browns out of Alabama, definitely has a claim for being included on this list.
Joining a cohort of Crimson Tide defenders drafted annually, Wilson boasts a hard-nose for the football. In 2018, he was named to the All-SEC second team.
During his junior year in college (last season), he ranked second on the team in total tackles (65) while also recording 4.5 tackles for loss to go along with a sack.
Wilson was a Day 1 performer — receiving playing time since his freshman season and leaving early for the draft. He only had minor injury problems, missing just two games in his sophomore year.
While in college, he showed his skills on pass coverage, garnering six total interceptions throughout his final two years at Alabama.
Wilson now joins a resurgent Browns team that has almost completely revamped their roster two years removed from a winless season.
According to ESPN, Wilson is the No. 5 ranked inside linebacker for the 2019 draft class — which makes him a ripe candidate to have an immediate impact.
Currently, the Browns’ linebacking corps isn’t filled with standout names except for that of Christian Kirksey. So, Wilson has a chance to compete for a role on the defense.
Alabama has surely become a force in being a major NFL factory. That is, recruiting players and molding them into NFL-ready talent.
While Wilson wasn’t among the top Crimson Tide players taken in this year’s draft, he possesses the skills to be a fine contributor at the professional level without obvious significant flaws.