Alabama Football: Predicting which players will declare for NFL Draft

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Which Alabama football players will head to the NFL Draft?

Last year, we saw plenty of juniors return for their senior seasons with Alabama football. Now that the Crimson Tide have won another national championship, that equation is a little different. The change in rules about eligibility makes things even tougher for this offseason.

With that in mind, which players will head to the NFL Draft? Let’s take a look and see who we think have played their final snaps with the Crimson Tide. Let’s start with the obvious decisions.

Locks to declare for the NFL Draft

Patrick Surtain, CB

Surtain was the best corner in college football this year. He has been thought of as one of the best prospects ever since he came out of high school, and he is a lock to be drafted in the first round. There is absolutely no reason to come back for another season. Go get your money, PS2.

DeVonta Smith, WR

While seniors technically have another year of college football eligibility, but DeVonta Smith shouldn’t use it. He just won the Heisman Trophy, and he has just about every Alabama football record known to man. His NFL Draft stock has peaked, and he should strike while the iron is hot. Even if he came back and had another dominant season, he would only boost his stock by a few slots.

Najee Harris, RB

This is another no-brainer. Harris could be making money in the NFL right now, but he decided to come back for his senior season. He ended his career with a national championship. He is now undoubtedly RB1, and another year of college won’t help his stock. If anything, it might hurt it. Running backs only have so much tread on the tires.