NFL teams are still evaluating Alabama LB’s injury as a possible draft target for the Buccaneers.

The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and while most prospects are undergoing final evaluations, one highly touted Alabama linebacker remains under the microscope. NFL teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are carefully assessing not just his athletic performance and tape—but the lingering effects of a mid-season injury that could reshape his draft value.

Sources close to the situation say Tampa Bay has been particularly interested in the player, intrigued by his sideline-to-sideline range, pass-rushing upside, and SEC pedigree. But the injury timeline has complicated his pre-draft momentum, raising questions about his readiness for rookie minicamp and potentially beyond.

Let’s break down where things stand with the player, the details of the injury, how the Buccaneers might view him as a fit, and how medical red flags could cause a once top-40 lock to slide into Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft.

The Prospect: A Star in Alabama’s Defense

Before the injury cast a shadow over his draft stock, the Alabama linebacker—who we’ll refer to here as “LB Prospect” pending official medical disclosure—was a rising star in the Crimson Tide’s front seven.

Measuring in at 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds with elite closing speed, he had emerged as one of the most explosive players on Nick Saban’s defense. Through the first half of the 2024 season, he tallied 51 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 interception in just seven games. He displayed the instincts and burst that NFL scouts covet in today’s hybrid linebackers.

Multiple evaluators considered him a potential first-round sleeper, someone who could climb draft boards after the NFL Combine. However, everything changed in Week 8 against Tennessee.

The Injury That Changed the Narrative

Late in the second quarter against the Volunteers, the linebacker suffered a lower leg injury—initially believed to be an ankle sprain. But after further imaging and examination, it was revealed to be a high ankle sprain with minor ligament involvement. He was ruled out indefinitely and missed the remainder of the season.

Though not considered a long-term injury at the time, the recovery proved more complicated than expected. Multiple NFL teams requested updated imaging before the NFL Combine, and the linebacker ultimately chose to sit out most drills in Indianapolis, participating only in team interviews and medical re-checks.

He did not test at Alabama’s Pro Day either, choosing instead to hold a private workout that was sparsely attended by scouts. Reports indicated some stiffness and lingering swelling during that session, which has only heightened concerns.

Medical Teams at Work

At this stage of the pre-draft process, NFL medical staffs have become just as important as personnel evaluators. One AFC team’s medical official noted, “We’ve had to be very cautious. He’s a great kid and a great talent, but we need to know if this thing is going to flare up again the first time he takes a hit in pads.”

The Buccaneers, in particular, have remained involved. According to sources, Tampa Bay’s medical and scouting teams requested a second follow-up with the player’s personal trainers and orthopedic specialists. General Manager Jason Licht has emphasized the importance of clean medicals for early-round picks in recent years, but he’s also shown a willingness to take risks—especially when high-upside SEC talent is on the board later than expected.

Tampa Bay’s Linebacker Situation

Tampa Bay enters the 2025 Draft with a clear need at linebacker. After the departure of Lavonte David—who retired after 12 stellar seasons with the franchise—the Buccaneers are thin on experience next to Devin White.

White has had an up-and-down career since his All-Pro campaign in 2020. While still an explosive athlete, his struggles in coverage and occasional mental lapses have made the team cautious about relying solely on him to anchor the defense.

Veteran depth exists on the roster, but none with true starter potential. Tampa Bay has been linked to several linebackers in this class, including Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson), Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M), and Junior Colson (Michigan). However, each of those prospects could go in the top 50 picks—and the Bucs might opt to address offensive line or defensive back early instead.

That’s why the Alabama LB remains intriguing. If he slips into the third or fourth round, Tampa Bay could find themselves with a steal if he returns to form.

SEC Pedigree and Positional Fit

Tampa Bay has historically valued players with SEC experience, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Crimson Tide linebacker fits the mold: tested against elite competition, well-coached under Nick Saban, and known for his football IQ.

Schematically, he fits seamlessly into Todd Bowles’ 3-4 hybrid scheme. Bowles loves versatile linebackers who can blitz, drop into coverage, and chase plays to the sideline. The Alabama LB has flashed all of those traits, often drawing comparisons to players like Roquan Smith and Eric Kendricks.

While he’ll need to prove that his change-of-direction ability and acceleration are fully intact, he remains one of the most fluid linebackers in this class on tape.

“If He’s Healthy…”

“If he’s healthy,” has become the most common phrase uttered in NFL circles when discussing the Alabama LB. One NFC South scout was quoted as saying, “If he’s healthy, we’re talking about a guy who can start Week 1. No question. He’s a heat-seeking missile who loves contact. But it’s that ‘if’ that’s messing everyone up right now.”

For Tampa Bay, the cost-benefit analysis could come down to how confident they are in their medical evaluations. Do they trust the rehab plan? Do they believe he’ll be fully recovered by training camp? And are they willing to burn a third-round pick on a player who might be a redshirt candidate?

Recent Examples: Risks vs. Rewards

The Bucs don’t have to look far for precedent. In 2020, they took a chance on Antoine Winfield Jr., who had an injury history in college but blossomed into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety. On the flip side, they’ve also seen how injuries can derail careers, such as with Justin Evans, who was never able to stay healthy after a promising rookie year.

Across the league, teams have learned to tread carefully. Players like Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack were top-10 talents who fell due to medical concerns. Smith never fully regained his explosiveness. Jack, while productive, saw his career shortened due to knee issues. Conversely, teams who gambled on guys like Frank Gore or Willis McGahee were rewarded in spades.

The Player’s Perspective

Throughout this process, the linebacker has remained upbeat and team-focused. He released a statement on social media in late March, saying:

“I’m continuing to rehab and build strength every day. I trust in God’s plan and am grateful for every team taking time to evaluate me. Wherever I go, I’ll bring energy, leadership, and a relentless work ethic.”

He’s also reportedly spent time working with a biomechanics team in Phoenix, Arizona, to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Teams will appreciate that initiative, especially from a linebacker who was known for his leadership voice in the Alabama locker room.

Draft Day Outlook

As it stands, most mock drafts have the linebacker projected as a third- or fourth-round pick. Without the injury, he might have been a top-40 selection. But the ambiguity surrounding his recovery has muddied the waters.

For the Buccaneers, who hold the 89th and 122nd overall picks, the timing could align perfectly. If he’s available at either of those spots—and if the medicals come back clear enough—he could become a priority target.

And for a franchise looking to recapture its defensive identity, adding a high-upside Alabama product at a discounted price might be too tempting to pass up.

The NFL Draft is often defined by risk tolerance. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2025 class presents a variety of options at positions of need—but few with the combination of talent, instincts, and pedigree that this Alabama linebacker possesses.

The injury has undoubtedly impacted his draft momentum. But if Tampa Bay believes in the medical trajectory, they might be positioned to make one of the biggest value picks of the weekend.

All eyes will be on Days 2 and 3, when this linebacker’s future is finally decided. Until then, scouts will keep reviewing tape, doctors will keep analyzing scans, and fans will keep wondering: Is he worth the risk?

If he is—and if he’s healthy—the Buccaneers might just land their next defensive cornerstone.