As the NFL Draft approaches, the buzz around Alabama’s Ty Simpson is reaching a fever pitch. Some insiders are even whispering that he might be the best quarterback available this year, potentially surpassing Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the presumptive No. 1 pick. Yet, whether Simpson goes in the first round or slides to the second, Alabama's impressive first-round streak is unlikely to be affected.
This year, all eyes are on offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who is expected to keep Alabama’s first-round streak alive, making it 18 consecutive years. This remarkable run began in 2009 and has become a testament to the Crimson Tide’s consistent production of elite NFL talent. The draft kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh, and with Proctor in the mix, Alabama’s legacy seems secure.
For context, Alabama's streak is the longest in NFL history, outpacing Miami’s 14-year run from 1995 to 2008. The Crimson Tide’s dominance in the draft began just as Miami’s ended, marking a new era of football excellence.
Over the years, Alabama has seen a plethora of its players make the leap to the NFL in the first round, including:
- 2009: Andre Smith, a powerhouse offensive tackle, went to the Bengals at No. 6.
- 2010: The Raiders picked linebacker Rolando McClain at No. 8, while the Texans snagged cornerback Kareem Jackson at No. 20.
- 2011: The Bills took defensive tackle Marcell Dareus at No. 3, with Julio Jones going to the Falcons at No. 6.
The Seahawks and Saints also picked James Carpenter and Mark Ingram, respectively.
- 2012: The Browns selected running back Trent Richardson at No. 3, with Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, and Dont’a Hightower also making first-round appearances.
- 2013: The Jets, Titans, and Chargers all dipped into Alabama’s talent pool, selecting Dee Milliner, Chance Warmack, and D.J. Fluker.
- 2014-2024: The list continues with standout names like Amari Cooper, Ryan Kelly, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young, among others.
Throughout this streak, 27 NFL teams have tapped into Alabama’s talent, with the Raiders leading the pack by selecting five players. Only five teams-Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Rams-have yet to pick an Alabama player in the first round during this period.
In total, 49 players from Alabama have been first-round selections in this streak, showcasing a well-rounded production of talent across positions: 11 offensive linemen, nine defensive backs, eight linebackers, eight wide receivers, five running backs, four defensive linemen, three quarterbacks, and a tight end.
As the draft nears, Alabama continues to be a powerhouse of NFL-ready talent, and all signs point to another successful year for the Crimson Tide.