Alabama Amazing DB NFL Draft Class of 2018

The 2018 Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back (DB) draft class was one of the most amazing in the modern NFL Draft era. That’s why they’re my next feature in #SquadsoftheGods. In addition to high draft picks, there were a couple in late rounds or undrafted free agents who became NFL contributors. Alabama’s defensive backs from this class contributed to a record-setting draft for the program, particularly for the secondary. I’m not going to bury the lead; Minkah Fitzpatrick was an Alabama DB in this draft.

The 2018 Alabama Crimson Tide led by this DB group went 14-1. They won the SEC and lost in the national championship to Clemson. The 2015 Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back recruiting class was a standout group, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

This class began with great promise: Here are the key defensive back signees for the Alabama 2015 class, rankings and summaries per 24/7 sports:

• Minkah Fitzpatrick: 5-star recruit, ranked as the No. 1 cornerback and No. 24 overall player in the 2015 class by 247Sports. A versatile defensive back who played multiple positions in the secondary. He became a consensus All-American and first-round NFL Draft pick.
• Ronnie Harrison: 4-star safety, ranked No. 5 at his position. An early enrollee who competed for immediate playing time. Harrison developed into a key contributor, earning All-SEC honors and becoming an NFL Draft pick.

This group was part of Alabama’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class in 2015, as rated by ESPN

NFL Contributions

Here’s a short breakdown of the Alabama defensive backs selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, based on NFL official information. Minkah Fitzpatrick was the 11^th overall pick in the first round by the Miami Dolphins. He’s been named to the NFL All-pro team in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. In college Fitzpatrick earned the Jim Thorpe aware (top DB) and Chuck Bednarik award (Defensive player of the year) in 2017.

Ronnie Harrison was drafted in the third round (93) by the Jacksonville Jaguars. At Alabama, he won 2 National championships and was a 2017 All-SEC DB. In the NFL, he’s later played for the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts, playing at least 10 games all but 2023.

Anthony Averett, CB, was selected in the fourth round (118) by Baltimore. Interestingly, Averett is the nephew of former college All-American and NFL Pro Bowl left tackle Baltimore Raven’s Bryant McKinnie. Averett had productive pro seasons through 2022 but has been on practice squads 2023-25.

Tony Brown, CB, was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. He’s played for several teams, most recently the Cleveland Browns. “Brown has appeared in 67 career games and logged 58 tackles and one interception on defense, while adding 22 career special teams tackles.”

Humble Beginnings

Levi Wallace, CB, was the least heralded of the Alabama recruiting class. He was recruited by no one and went to Alabama due to his father being in the Tuscaloosa area. Wallace played intramural flag football, then became a walk-on for the Crimson Tide in 2014. He was an undrafted free agent signee for Buffalo in 2018. Despite the humble beginnings, Wallace was awarded the top-graded cornerback by Pro Football focus. Wallace started all 52 games for the Bills over the next 4 years.

The Alabama NFL draft class certainly fulfilled their promise. For other articles about the #SquadsoftheGods, read my article on The Univ of Memphis RB class, and the Univ of Michigan OL class and follow me @ajayxemem on X.