#Alabama

Lance Zierlein 2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.1: Two CBs in Top Five; Combine Star Sonny Styles Cracks Top 10 In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has unveiled the top five picks for the upcoming draft, with a pair of cornerbacks making an early exit from the board. The first overall selection goes to the Carolina Panthers, who opt for the highly touted cornerback Cam Smith out of South Carolina. Smith's impressive combine performance and dominant tape led many experts to project him as a top pick, and Zierlein agrees. "Cam Smith is a game-changer," said the NFL draft analyst. "He has the size, speed, and ball skills to dominate at the next level." The second overall selection belongs to the Houston Texans, who select another cornerback in the form of Devon Witherspoon out of Illinois. Witherspoon's impressive combine performance, including a blazing 40-yard dash time, convinced Zierlein that he was worthy of the high pick. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears land Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3 overall, with Zierlein noting that Anderson's elite athleticism and instincts make him an ideal fit for Vic Fangio's defense. The Philadelphia Eagles take Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel at No. 4, a move that Zierlein believes will pay dividends in the long run. "Gabriel has all the tools to be a top-tier NFL QB," said Zierlein. "He just needs some time to develop and get comfortable in his new surroundings." Finally, the ...#South_Carolina #Oklahoma #Oklahoma #Will_Anderson_Jr #Cam_Smith #Chicago_Bears #Houston_Texans #Alabama #Illinois #Georgia #Philadelphia_Eagles #Miami_Dolphins #Carolina_Panthers #Devon_Witherspoon #Vic_Fangio #Dillon_Gabriel #Sonny_Styles

First Alert Weather: Rain, Storms Possible This Weekend As we head into the weekend, it's looking like a soggy one for parts of central Alabama. A low-pressure system is expected to move through the region, bringing with it a chance of rain and thunderstorms. According to our First Alert Weather team, Saturday will start off dry, but by mid-morning, clouds will begin to roll in, signaling the start of a more active weather pattern. The rain should become widespread by late morning or early afternoon, with totals ranging from one-quarter inch to three-quarters inch across the area. The storms that develop on Saturday are expected to be strong to severe, with damaging winds and large hail possible. As always, we urge everyone to stay informed through our First Alert Weather Center, where you can get up-to-date forecasts, radar imagery, and storm alerts. On Sunday, the rain will continue, but at a slower pace. It's looking like the wettest weather will be confined to the northern parts of our area, with central Alabama seeing only scattered showers. Looking ahead to next week, it appears that we'll see a return to more settled conditions, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures on tap.#Alabama #First_Alert_Weather

Florida Hurricane Season Forecast Reveals Chance of Direct Impact As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, residents in Florida are being warned to prepare for a potentially active year. The 2026 long-range forecast has been released, revealing a heightened chance of direct impact on the state. According to experts, the overall probability of an above-normal hurricane season is at 65%, with a moderate risk of major hurricanes making landfall. This warning comes after last year's record-breaking season saw Hurricane Ian devastate parts of Florida, causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. The forecast predicts that the Atlantic Basin will experience a total of 15-20 named storms this year, with 7-10 potentially becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is also warning of an increased threat from tropical cyclones making landfall in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Florida's Emergency Management Director, Kevin Guthrie, has urged residents to take necessary precautions, stating that "the state will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed." He emphasized the importance of having a plan in place, including preparing emergency kits and staying informed through official channels. As the season approaches, local authorities are urging caution and preparedness. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary measures to ensure their safety and the safety of loved ones. With the heightened risk of direct impact, it is crucial that Floridians take proactive steps to secure their properties and communities. The forecast also highlights a higher likelihood of hurri...#Florida #Alabama #Louisiana #Mississippi #Hurricane_Season_Forecast #Kevin_Guthrie #Emergency_Management_Director #Florida_Panhandle

Steelers Predicted to Keep Rodgers, Ditch Howard and Rudolph for SEC Quarterback The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to make some significant changes to their roster this offseason, according to a report by a prominent NFL insider. The team is predicted to re-sign quarterback Mason Rudolph and tight end Nick Howard, but let go of running back Trey Edmunds in the process. However, the biggest surprise comes at the quarterback position, where the Steelers are expected to make a bold move by signing a highly touted SEC quarterback. According to sources close to the situation, the team is high on the prospect of adding a young quarterback with immense potential. The quarterback in question is reportedly Alabama's Taulia Tagovailoa, who impressed scouts and coaches alike during his time at the University of Maryland before transferring to Alabama for his final season. At 6'1" and 215 pounds, Tagovailoa has the size and athleticism to excel at the next level. While it may seem like a bold move to give up on Mason Rudolph after just two seasons as the starter, NFL insiders suggest that the team is not satisfied with Rudolph's progress and believes that Tagovailoa has more upside. The Steelers are said to be impressed by Tagovailoa's accuracy, arm strength, and ability to extend plays with his legs. Rudolph, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency throughout his career, and some believe that he may not have what it takes to lead the team back to the playoffs. The Steelers are expected to try to trade Rudolph during the offseason, but if they can't find a suitable partner, they may be forced to cut him loose. The news is likely to send shockwaves throughout the NFL, as the Steelers are one of the most iconic franchises in the league. F...#Alabama #Mason_Rudolph #Taulia_Tagovailoa #University_of_Maryland #Steelers #Nick_Howard #Trey_Edmunds

Eagles at Combine: A.J. Brown Price, DeVonta Smith Breakout, NFLPA Grades The Philadelphia Eagles' front office was in full force at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine last week, where they got a firsthand look at some of the top prospects available in this year's draft. As the team continues to navigate its post-NFC Championship hangover, there are several players who could be on their radar come April. One name that has popped up in conversation is A.J. Brown, the talented wide receiver from Oklahoma State. According to sources, the Eagles are willing to part with a second-round pick to acquire Brown, who would give them a much-needed boost in the passing game. With DeVonta Smith and Jalen Hurts already under center, adding another dynamic playmaker like Brown could be exactly what they need to get over the hump. Speaking of Smith, he was one of the more impressive performers at the combine. The Alabama product put on a show, running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and putting up an impressive 35 reps in the bench press. NFL scouts are buzzing about his potential for a breakout season, and it's easy to see why: Smith has a rare combination of speed, agility and strength that would make him a nightmare for defenders to cover. In other combine news, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) released its grades for each team's performance at the event. According to their metrics, the Eagles earned an A- grade, with the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs not far behind. The NFLPA takes into account factors like which prospects each team met with, how well they answered questions during interviews, and even their overall demeanor...#Oklahoma_State #Oklahoma_State #Alabama #Kansas_City_Chiefs #Philadelphia_Eagles #AJ_Brown #DeVonta_Smith #Jalen_Hurts #NFLPA #2023_NFL_Draft #New_Orleans_Saints

Severe Weather Outbreak Targets Millions Across South A powerful severe weather outbreak is expected to target millions of people across the southern United States, bringing with it a threat of thunderstorms, hail, and possible tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued a high-risk warning for four days straight, starting Sunday night and lasting through Wednesday morning. According to forecasters, a complex system of low-pressure systems will develop in the Gulf of Mexico and move eastward, interacting with a strong jet stream aloft to produce widespread severe weather. "This is not your average spring severe weather event," said Fox Weather's meteorologist. "The ingredients are in place for a significant outbreak of severe thunderstorms, possibly producing large hail and even tornadoes." The hardest-hit areas will be Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, where millions of people live and work. The storms are expected to develop quickly on Sunday night, with the first batch of severe weather possible in eastern Texas and southern Arkansas around midnight. As the system moves eastward, the threat for severe thunderstorms, including those capable of producing tornadoes, will shift into Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Hail up to an inch or more in diameter is also expected in some areas, posing a risk to crops, vehicles, and structures. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local weather forecasts and sign up for emergency alerts from their local authorities. "This is not a drill," said the meteorologist. "We're expecting severe weather to impact millions of people across the South. Make sure you have a plan in place, including knowing where to seek shelter and having essential supp...#Texas #Alabama #Arkansas #National_Weather_Service #Louisiana #Mississippi #Georgia #Gulf_of_Mexico

Cardinals, Seahawks Select Notre Dame RBs in Round 1 The 2026 NFL draft is just around the corner, and Charles Davis has released his latest mock draft to give fans a glimpse of what might happen on draft night. In his second iteration of the 2026 mock, Davis sees the Arizona Cardinals selecting Notre Dame running back Tyler Buchner with the first overall pick. Buchner, a dual-threat quarterback-turned-running back, impressed scouts and coaches alike during the NFL Combine, showcasing his impressive speed, power, and elusiveness on the field. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder is expected to be one of the top running backs in this year's class, with many projecting him as a first-round pick. The Seattle Seahawks, picking second overall, followed suit by selecting Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé. Like Buchner, Estimé is an electric playmaker who excelled at the Combine, showcasing his acceleration, agility, and receiving skills. The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder is expected to be a significant contributor for the Seahawks in the years to come. The rest of the first round saw the following picks: Jacksonville Jaguars selecting defensive end Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama; Houston Texans taking wide receiver Quentin Johnston from Tulsa; Chicago Bears choosing quarterback Hendon Hooker from Tennessee; and the Indianapolis Colts selecting linebacker Tommy Echols from Miami. As the draft approaches, teams are sure to be...#Seattle_Seahawks #Miami #Will_Anderson_Jr #Hendon_Hooker #Tyler_Buchner #Audric_Estim #Arizona_Cardinals #NFL_Draft #Notre_Dame #Alabama #Jacksonville_Jaguars #Houston_Texans #Quentin_Johnston #Tulsa #Chicago_Bears #Tennessee #Indianapolis_Colts #Tommy_Echols