Alabama Football: First Round University Wins The NFL Draft Again

As the 2018 NFL Draft concluded, Alabama football set an SEC and team record with twelve football players drafted. Alabama football coach Nick Saban has to be pleased for his players and the organization.

Note to all football recruits, ignore all of the negative recruiting that they hear about Nick Saban and Alabama football. The prospects should observe the NFL draft and really analyze that if they want to compete and work for a chance at the NFL, Alabama is the place to attend.

Below is a tweet from Derek Green:

Why not come and be coached by the greatest? The proof is evident. 75 players drafted under Saban in eleven seasons.  There is not a team in the nation that can compete with those numbers.

Day One

On Thursday night, defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick went as the 11th pick to the Miami Dolphins. Fitzpatrick is a day one starter for the Dolphins who can help improve a pass defense that only intercepted nine passes.

Next, defensive tackle Daron Payne went 13th to the Redskins joining former Tide alums Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson. This run-stuffing stalwart will make an abrupt impact for the RollSkins!

Headed to Tennessee with the 22nd pick is star linebacker, Rashaan Evans. The Titans traded up to draft this versatile linebacker who can make an instant impact. Expect Evans to start and play along with the front seven.

The Alabama draft night finished with wide receiver Calvin Ridley drafted 25th to the Falcons. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has two of the three best receivers to play in Tuscaloosa the past decade to throw passes to at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Day Two

On Friday, safety Ronnie Harrison was picked up by the Jaguars in the third round. Unfortunately, he was the only Alabama player drafted that evening. The free safety has an opportunity to compete for a starting job against incumbents Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church.

Day Three

Saturday started with Da’Shawn Hand drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round at 114. Hand underachieved for the Tide after coming to Tuscaloosa as the number one high school player in the country.

Defensive back Anthony Averett joined the Baltimore Ravens with former teammate Marlon Humphrey with pick 118. Underappreciated Anthony is a speed demon who can cover team’s toughest wide receivers and excellent in run support.

Green Bay drafted punter JK Scott in the fifth round. Two-time Ray Guy nominee Scott became the first Alabama punter drafted since Bryne Diehl an astounding twenty-three years ago.

The Washington Redskins took a chance with linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton in the sixth round with the 197th pick. The injured linebacker is a steal for the Redskins.

Washington’s selection of Dion Hamilton led to this tweet by Alabama Football:

Center Bradley Bozeman was taken by the Baltimore Ravens shortly at 215. General Manager Ozzie Newsome was confident in picking the second team All American center. There were reports that he may go undrafted because he did not receive an invitation to the NFL combine. The Ravens have discovered a hidden gem.

The seventh round began, and with the 236th pick, the Dallas Cowboys selected Bo Scarbrough. Scarbrough will be a backup to star running back Ezekiel Elliot. The massive back can make some noise in the NFL with his 4.5 speed and ability to punish defenders in the fourth quarter.

Finally, the last Alabama player drafted was Josh Frazier by the Pittsburgh Steelers at 246. Frazier will be a rotational player and help with special teams.

Free Agents

Undrafted players that will receive calls for a camp invite are cornerbacks, Tony Brown and Levi Wallace, plus wide receivers Cam Sims and Robert Foster. These talented four players can make an NFL roster.

Next: 5 Biggest Moments from the 2017 season

2019 NFL Draft will be a must see as more Alabama stars join the professional ranks. Expect Nick Saban’s draft numbers to continue to improve.