Alabama's Yhonzae Pierre Lands Strong Prediction for 2027 NFL Draft

Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre has established himself as a star and is continuing to play at a high level in the 2026 season.

Pierre is in his third season at Alabama and has been a key factor for their defense in 2026, helping them start off the season 4-0 and become the seventh-ranked program in the country.

Pierre has continued to develop over his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. He didn't play much in his freshman year in 2024, recording six total tackles, a tackle for loss, and two pass deflections.

Pierre took on a bigger role in 2025 and had a great season, finishing with 52 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, a pass deflection, and three forced fumbles. He put himself on the map as one of the best edge rushers in the country and built hype ahead of his junior campaign.

Pierre's junior season is off to a good start, as he has 14 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a pick-six.  He has been a disruptive player for Alabama's defense, getting pressure on the quarterback.

With his production, he could be one of the first edge rushers off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft. In Sports Illustrated's recent mock draft, Pierre lands with the New York Jets with the 12th overall pick.

This would be a solid landing spot for Pierre, as the Jets have a quality young core but could use another pass rusher. 

With Pierre looking to continue building his draft stock, the Crimson Tide will need him to play at an elite level as they enter a tough stretch of their schedule.

Alabama will face off against the 16th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs, the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, the 17th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, and the 11th-ranked LSU Tigers in four of its next five games. This is a brutal schedule ahead, but it will serve as a true test for Kalen DeBoer's group.

How the Crimson Tide plays during this stretch will determine whether they make the College Football Playoff and compete for a National Championship this season. With Pierre being a key piece off the edge, Alabama will need him to put pressure on the quarterback to force mistakes and turnovers.

Pierre has had a strong college career thus far, and if he can close out the 2026 season by helping the Crimson Tide get into the College Football Playoff, he could solidify his place as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.