In the high-stakes world of college football, maintaining a legacy of excellence is akin to balancing a house of cards in a gentle breeze-every move adds pressure. This spring, Alabama football finds itself under such scrutiny, with its impressive 17-year streak of producing at least one first-round NFL Draft pick potentially at risk. Recent projections from league insiders suggest that the Crimson Tide's historic run might face a challenge when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell steps up to the podium this April.
NFL Network insider Daniel Jeremiah has added his voice to this conversation with his latest Top 50 prospects list, released ahead of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. From Alabama's pool of 12 pro prospects, only two made Jeremiah's cut: offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, ranked 29th, and quarterback Ty Simpson, at 40th.
If Jeremiah's projections align with the views of NFL front offices, Alabama might see its smallest first-round representation in years, potentially marking the lowest early-round draft presence since Nick Saban began his legendary tenure in 2009. This scenario could be a tough pill for Crimson Tide fans who've long celebrated the program's dominance.
Kalen DeBoer, in his third year as head coach after taking over from the seven-time national champion Saban in 2024, faces his own set of challenges. Saban's era saw Alabama produce a staggering 49 first-round picks from 2008 through 2024.
Yet, the narrative isn't set in stone. Simpson's stock is gaining traction, particularly among quarterback-needy teams.
Despite Jeremiah's projections, Simpson remains a hot topic in first-round discussions. He's often considered the second quarterback prospect after Indiana's Heisman-winning QB, Fernando Mendoza. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams are reportedly eyeing Simpson for a possible mid to late first-round pick.
It's important to remember that these projections are fluid. The upcoming NFL Combine, running through March 2nd, and Alabama's pro day present crucial opportunities for Simpson and Proctor to impress NFL GMs.
Strong performances could secure their spots in the first 32 picks, allowing Alabama to maintain its reputation as a premier NFL talent pipeline. If not, DeBoer faces the challenge of starting anew and building his own legacy.