It's no secret that Alabama football has become a direct pipeline to the NFL since Nick Saban took over the program in 2009.
In this year's class, two of the top five expected picks alone come from the Crimson Tide (QB Bryce Young, DE Will Anderson Jr.), with countless others expected to hear their names called at some point during the 2023 NFL Draft.
One of those players is Jordan Battle, who is looking to continue the trend of Alabama safeties dominating at the next level.
Some of the NFL's most talented safeties once called Tuscaloosa home, including Pittsburgh's Minkah Fitzpatrick, Chicago's Eddie Jackson and Denver's Kareem Jackson.
Giants safety Xavier McKinney is another ascending player who used to don the crimson and white. In fact, McKinney shared the field with Battle during the latter's freshman season, a campaign that ended with McKinney being selected Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC by the Associated Press.
While McKinney was one of the leaders of the defense, Battle was just getting his feet wet at the collegiate level. However, the 2023 draft prospect was thrust into action during his freshman season, playing 13 games with four starts alongside McKinney. The 22-year-old credited the Giants safety, whom he still talks to, for helping prepare him during his first season at 'Bama.
"Xavier McKinney was another one of those great mentors…" Battle told Giants.com during Thursday's Combine Media Day. "Just growing up alongside X, he helped me understand the playbook faster. I had to get on the field early as a freshman when I got to 'Bama. I started about four games my freshman year. Just knowing that I didn't have that pressure on me because I was so prepared, X was a big part of that."
Battle enjoyed a lot of success over the next three seasons. The 6-foot-1, 206-pound safety was a part of the program's National Championship team in 2020, starting 12 games as a sophomore and ranking third on the team with 66 total tackles. In each of the previous two seasons, Battle earned both Third-Team All-American and All-SEC honors from the AP. However, Mel Kiper's No. 10 ranked safety did not lead the Alabama defense in tackles in 2022.
That honor belonged to DeMarcco Hellams, another safety prospect in the 2023 draft class.
Hellams earned a spot in the starting lineup in each of the last two seasons. After totaling 87 tackles in 14 games during the 2021 campaign, the 6-foot-1, 208-pound DB racked up an impressive 108 tackles in 13 games this past season, his fourth at Alabama.
While he only played in two games as a freshman back in 2019, Hellams also recalled McKinney's leadership in the DB room.
"Xavier McKinney was a guy I learned a lot from when I was a freshman," Hellams said. "Bringing me up, showing me the way to practice, showing me the way to watch film. Just the way he played, he was definitely a guy that I learned a lot from and a guy I looked up to… I saw how he paid attention in meetings, how he took notes in meetings, how he approached the game. I saw him late nights in the film room, early mornings. Just how he played the game, on and off the field, I definitely learned a lot from X."
McKinney was voted by his teammates as one of the Giants' team captains this past season, continuing his display of great leadership that dates back to his time in Tuscaloosa.
"X is a great leader, as well," defensive lineman DJ Dale said during Wednesday's Media Day. "X tolerated nothing but your best. Him being a leader on the defense, he kind of got us going. When things weren't what they were supposed to be, he was the guy to speak up. Even from watching him now, X is still that guy to this day. It was great playing with X."
View photos of the Giants participating at the NFL Combine.
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones throws the ball during the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux (45) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence runs 40-yard dash during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Sunday, March. 3, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (28) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Penn St. linebacker Cam Brown runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Connecticut offensive lineman Matt Peart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor throws as he runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Arizona State defensive lineman DJ Davidson (04) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (42) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Tyre Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
West Virginia offensive lineman Mark Glowinski runs a drill during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, February 20, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas does the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas participates in the vertical jump during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
FILE - In this March 2, 2019, file photo, Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Jones is a possible pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones throws the ball during the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones throws a pass during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday, March. 2, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley performs a vertical jump drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux (45) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux (45) warms up at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux (45) during the bench press event at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Steve Luciano/AP Images for NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux (45) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux (45) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux stretches at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux is measured at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux (45) warms up at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
FILE - In this March 3, 2019, file photo, Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard did his homework on Bobby Okereke. And a sexual assault allegation from 2015 still didn’t scare him off. Just hours after Okereke’s name surfaced publicly for the first time in the case, Ballard told local reporters on a conference call that he took a hard look at Okereke’s past and made others in the organization aware of the accusation before selecting the Stanford graduate in April’s NFL draft.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks warms up at the NFL football scouting combine Friday, March 3, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo Erin Hooley)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 3, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo Erin Hooley)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Maryland defensive back Tae Banks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday, March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Monday, March 6, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Monday, March 6, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Monday, March 6, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
USC defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence does the bench press drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (28) participates during drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (28) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson prepares to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson catches a pass during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson catches a pass during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (28) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon St. wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon St. wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon St. wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney cheers during the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
A detail view of Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney's New Era jersey during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton jumps before running the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs the 40 Yard Dash in the Under Armour NFL football Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, February 23, 2013.. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh participates in a drill during the Under Armour NFL football Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, February 23, 2013.. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Syracuse University offensive lineman Justin Pugh runs drills at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, on February 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons walks on the field after running the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) participates in the vertical jump at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) participates in a drill at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 3, 2022. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger catches a pass during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) participates during drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger catches a pass during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott (13) warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
UCLA defensive back Darnay Holmes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard makes a catch as he runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma receiver Sterling Shepard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Connecticut offensive lineman Matt Peart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UConn tackle Matt Peart runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
UConn tackle Matt Peart runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Connecticut offensive lineman Matt Peart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Connecticut offensive lineman Matt Peart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UConn tackle Matt Peart runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Connecticut offensive lineman Matt Peart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor throws as he runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor throws as he runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J, Davidson (04) at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Arizona State defensive lineman DJ Davidson (04) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Arizona State defensive lineman DJ Davidson (04) during the bench press event at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Steve Luciano/AP Images for NFL)
Arizona State defensive lineman DJ Davidson (04) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Arizona State defensive lineman DJ Davidson (04) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (42) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan (32) participates in the vertical jump at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan (32) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Tyre Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Tyre Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Tyre Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Tyre Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Mississippi St. tackle Tyre Phillips runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Tyre Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi St. tackle Tyre Phillips runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers (05) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon guard Shane Lemieux runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon guard Shane Lemieux runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
West Virginia offensive lineman Mark Glowinski runs a drill during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, February 20, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
West Virginia offensive lineman Mark Glowinski runs a drill during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, February 20, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
West Virginia offensive lineman Mark Glowinski runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
West Virginia offensive lineman Mark Glowinski runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
*One of the biggest benefits of playing at Alabama as a defensive back is the elite talent you go up against during practice.
During the 2019 season, Nick Saban's wide receiver group consisted of Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and Henry Ruggs, all of whom were first-round picks, as well as second-round pick John Metchie.
As the saying goes, "iron sharpens iron", and Battle will be the first to tell you just how beneficial it was to go up against teammates like that in practice every day.
"(DeVonta Smith) made me better," said the 'Bama safety. "He took me in. Him, Waddle, Pat (Surtain), those were my guys when I first got there. Every day in practice, it was competitive. Whether I lined up against Waddle, Jeudy, Smitty, whoever was in front of me… Metchie at the time, too. Whoever lined up in front of me, it was just competitive, brotherly love. Just get at it every day. That's the one thing I loved about Alabama. The ability to compete every day. That made me better."
*The Giants spent a fourth-round pick in last year's draft on safety Dane Belton. The former Iowa safety was named First-Team All-Big Ten by the league coaches and media in his final season. Belton made an impact on the Big Blue defense as a rookie, recording two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, three pass breakups and 31 total tackles in 15 games (five starts).
Two of Belton's former teammates in the Iowa secondary are likely to be selected in this year's draft, both of whom raved about the Giants safety on and off the field.
"Dane is an incredibly gifted player," said safety Kaevon Merriweather, who was named Second-Team All-American by the AP last season. "Somebody that was able to come in as a freshman and play for us. To play as a freshman, on the field and part of the system, is pretty hard with all of the checks and things that we have to do at safety. I was able to learn so much from Dane, somebody who was very well experienced. He was a really gifted athlete, saw the game really well. He was just naturally gifted. Always got his hands on the ball. It was amazing to watch him play. I was able to play with him for three years, so it was definitely amazing to watch him. I was behind him most of the time, so to watch him go and make plays on the field."
"Dane is a great dude," cornerback Riley Moss, a First-Team All-Big Ten selection, added. "20 years down the line, if I ever needed something, he would be right there. He's one of those guys. He played majority in the slot. He's just one of those guys that you can count on. He rarely ever made mistakes and did his job. Great teammate, like I said. One of the things that I think he helped me on, he's a year younger than me but he gave a different perspective on the inside, playing the nickel for when I get in there."
Belton still talks to both Merriweather and Moss and shared some advice with his former teammates leading up to this week's events in Indy.
"We talk all the time," Merriweather told Giants.com. "He just told me to go in there and be confident. He said I was readily prepared for everything with the questions, with all of the drills I'm going to run. He was like 'You're going to knock it out the park.' He's definitely helped my confidence a lot with everything at the Combine."
View photos from Media Day as some of the top S and CB prospects speak to reporters from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
DB Christian Gonzalez addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Joey Porter addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jordan Battle addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jaylon Jones addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Tre'vius Tomlinson addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Riley Moss addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Emmanuel Forbes addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Trey Dean addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christopher Smith II addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Brandon Joseph addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Carrington Valentine addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Demarcco Hellams addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jammie Robinson addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christopher Smith II addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Demarcco Hellams addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jordan Battle addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Trey Dean addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christopher Smith II addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Demarcco Hellams addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Demarcco Hellams addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jordan Battle addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christian Gonzalez addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jordan Battle addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christian Gonzalez addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christian Gonzalez addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jordan Battle addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christian Gonzalez addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jaylon Jones addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Brandon Joseph addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Emmanuel Forbes addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christian Gonzalez addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Clark Phillips addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christopher Smith II addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Emmanuel Forbes addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Clark Phillips addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jordan Battle addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Brian Branch addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Riley Moss addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Brian Branch addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Christian Gonzalez addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Riley Moss addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Eli Ricks addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Brian Branch addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Eli Ricks addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Jordan Battle addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Riley Moss addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Carrington Valentine addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Eli Ricks addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Carrington Valentine addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Tre'vius Tomlinson addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Tre'vius Tomlinson addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Joey Porter addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Joey Porter addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Joey Porter addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Joey Porter addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Cam Smith addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Tre'vius Tomlinson addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Joey Porter addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Cam Smith addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Brandon Joseph addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Tre'vius Tomlinson addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
DB Brandon Joseph addresses the media at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
