Top Alabama Players Declare Early for 2021 NFL Draft
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is that time of year again, perhaps the worst time during the calendar year for college football programs and their fans – time for draft eligible players to decide if they are returning or heading off to the NFL. The difference between who stays and who goes into the NFL Draft can be the difference between a national title contending team and an average or losing season.
The SEC is always the hardest hit conference in terms of early draft entrants, which speaks volumes to the depth of talent among the ranks. A year ago, the SEC lost 36 players early to the NFL. After posting one of the best all-around seasons ever, the LSU Tigers lost nine players off their 15-0 national championship team leading to a 5-5 run in 2020. Now, the Alabama Crimson Tide are suffering through the attrition laying an extra emphasis on spring practices.
Alabama lost six early a year ago and will already be without four starters seeing quarterback Mac Jones, receiver Jaylen Waddle, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, and cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
With the help of extra games in the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff, Heisman Trophy candidate Mac Jones led the nation in passing yards (4,500), completion percentage (77.4), and QB Rating (203.1) while finishing second in touchdown passes (41). Patrick Surtain II was an All-American selection and 2020 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Jaylen Waddle and national leading receiver-teammate DeVonta Smith were neck-and-neck in all major receiving categories in the SEC until an ankle fracture limited him to four regular season games. Waddle made a comeback appearance in the national championship game catching three passes for 34 yards. After earning first team All-SEC honors, Christian Barmore shinned on the game’s biggest stage earning the national championship game Defensive MVP honor.
Some of the other big names heading off to the NFL after closing out their senior season with a national title includes running back Najee Harris, left tackle Alex Leatherwood, center Landon Dickerson, and Heisman Trophy winner receiver DeVonta Smith.
One fortunate viewpoint for the Crimson Tide and their fanbase, the 2020 defensive unit was young which could return up to nine starters with the absence of Surtain and Barmore. More positive news, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis announced he is returning to Tuscaloosa for the 2021 season.
Photo credit: NY Times: No. 10 Mac Jones