Alabama DB Malachi Moore plans to return next season
Alabama‘s offseason annually sees great turnover, whether to the pros or the transfer portal. However, the Crimson Tide appear to be getting at least one player back from their secondary for next season.
ESPN’s Chris Low shared an update on four potential prospects for the Tide in a tweet on Thursday. While he reports two players planning to leave Tuscaloosa, he has another pair, including defensive back Malachi Moore, planning on returning to play for Alabama in 2024.
BamaOnline has learned as much as well when it comes to Moore’s intention on his future.
As part of Low’s report, he pointed to all signs suggesting that CB Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold are going into the 2024 NFL Draft while he has LB Deontae Lawson joining Moore as a returning player on defense for Alabama.
Moore just completed his senior season for the Tide, making next year his fifth with the program. After playing multiple positions on the back end over his four campaigns, he even earned a title as a team captain this past season.
In total, Moore has 142 tackles to his name. He also has posted 16 pass deflections, five interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He had a career-high in tackles this fall with 51 while also finishing with four deflections and a pick.
With some pieces, like McKinstry and Arnold, out the door, Moore’s return is impactful for the Tide. Alongside Lawson, he’ll be a key returning veteran for the unit to lean on once again next fall.
More on the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.
Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. That will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.
The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.
To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.
Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.
The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.