Nico Johnson is a now a Kansas City Chief. (AP photo)
The USA Today had the following analysis of the Johnson pick.
If there’s any program that produces players virtually ready to step into an NFL lineup, it’s Nick Saban’s. Johnson is already experienced in the 3-4 defense — Alabama has helped popularize the scheme at the Division I level — and could very easily step into a starting job next to Chiefs ILB Derrick Johnson if he can beat out journeymen Zac Diles and Akeem Jordan.
The Chiefs are no stranger to drafting former Alabama players, drafting two defensive backs from the Tide in the last five years that still remain with the team: Javier Arenas and DeQuan Menzie.
The Chiefs have shown interest in Johnson throughout the process, starting with this interview while Johnson was preparing for the Senior Bowl.
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With pick No. 113 (No. 16 in the 4th round), former Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones was picked up by the St. Louis Rams as a piece to help protect quarterback Sam Bradford.
USA Today put forth some analysis of this pickup, as well.
Jones is one of the most decorated linemen in college football history, earning three rings and multiple All-American accolades with the Tide. He’s played all five spots on the O-line — well — but left guard in St. Louis could be his ticket. Jones has played through a myriad of injuries and gutted out Alabama’s 2012 title march with a Lisfranc (foot) injury, which says a lot about his toughness.
“I am very committed. You’re going to get the hardest working guy in the building. I’m prepared.” – Barrett Jones #RamsDraft
— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) April 27, 2013
“I do have to be honest, I have a lot of trophies. But I don’t really celebrate trophies.” – Barrett Jones #RamsDraft
— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) April 27, 2013
Excited to be a Ram! twitter.com/BarrettAJones/…
— Barrett Jones (@BarrettAJones) April 27, 2013
