Alabama’s NFL Draft: Crimson Tide Riding Historic First-Round Streak

For over a decade, the Alabama Crimson Tide have defined college football excellence. National championships, SEC dominance, and a powerhouse recruiting machine have made Alabama the standard. But perhaps no statistic encapsulates Nick Saban’s reign better than this: 15 straight years with at least one player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

This historic run, unmatched by any other program, is more than a streak — it’s a statement of sustained greatness. It tells a story of elite development, relentless competition, and a football culture that transforms high school phenoms into pro-ready stars.

Let’s explore the depth of this streak, the players who’ve defined it, and what’s next for the Crimson Tide as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.

The Start of Something Historic

The streak began in 2009 when Andre Smith was taken sixth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, Alabama has never gone a year without a first-rounder. And this wasn’t by accident. It coincided with the Saban era entering full throttle.

Saban’s blueprint was clear: recruit elite talent, build NFL-caliber systems, and develop players with the physical, mental, and technical attributes to dominate at the next level.

Alabama’s First-Round Picks (2009–2024)

Let’s take a quick look at this streak by year, highlighting just a few of the stars who have carried the tradition forward:

• 2009: Andre Smith, OT (6th overall)
• 2010: Rolando McClain, LB (8th)
• 2011: Marcell Dareus, Julio Jones, Mark Ingram
• 2012: Trent Richardson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dont’a Hightower
• 2013: Dee Milliner, Chance Warmack, D.J. Fluker
• 2014: C.J. Mosley, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
• 2015: Amari Cooper, Landon Collins
• 2016: Ryan Kelly
• 2017: Jonathan Allen, Marlon Humphrey, O.J. Howard
• 2018: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Da’Ron Payne
• 2019: Quinnen Williams, Jonah Williams, Josh Jacobs
• 2020: Tua Tagovailoa, Jedrick Wills, Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy
• 2021: Patrick Surtain II, Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Alex Leatherwood, Najee Harris
• 2022: Jameson Williams, Evan Neal
• 2023: Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr., Jahmyr Gibbs
• 2024: JC Latham, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Dallas Turner

That’s over 45 first-round picks since 2009 — an average of three per year.

What Makes Alabama Different

1. NFL-Like Infrastructure

Alabama essentially operates like an NFL franchise in Tuscaloosa. Everything from nutrition to strength training to film study is designed to mirror what players will experience in the league.

The facilities are first-rate. The coaching is elite. The competition is brutal — players must fight for reps every day in practice against other future pros. It’s an environment that hardens players and prepares them for the grind of the NFL.

2. Position Versatility and Balance

Some schools specialize in producing great QBs or DBs. Alabama? They churn out pros at every position:

• QB: Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Bryce Young
• RB: Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris
• WR: Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith
• OL: Andre Smith, Jedrick Wills, Evan Neal, Ryan Kelly
• DL: Quinnen Williams, Marcell Dareus, Da’Ron Payne
• LB: C.J. Mosley, Dont’a Hightower, Rashaan Evans, Will Anderson
• DB: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Surtain II, Marlon Humphrey, Dre Kirkpatrick

That level of positional depth is unmatched.

3. Development > Hype

Yes, Alabama signs top-rated recruits. But the real story is the development curve. Some of their biggest NFL stars weren’t even five-star recruits. Josh Jacobs was a three-star. Mac Jones waited three years for his chance. Will Anderson wasn’t the highest-rated defender in his class, but became a top-five pick.

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2025 NFL Draft: Extending the Legacy

With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, Alabama is well-positioned to extend the first-round streak to 16 years. Several Tide players are viewed as likely early-round selections:

1. Dallas Turner, EDGE

Coming off a dominant junior season, Turner is projected as a top-15 pick. He’s drawn comparisons to former Alabama star Will Anderson with his speed, bend, and motor.

2. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB

McKinstry was one of the most consistent cornerbacks in college football. His technique, ball skills, and versatility should secure him a Day 1 selection.

3. JC Latham, OT

A massive presence at right tackle, Latham is likely to be one of the first offensive linemen off the board.

4. Terrion Arnold, CB

Arnold’s stock has soared after a breakout year. He’s long, physical, and has the swagger NFL GMs covet.

If all go in the first round, Alabama could match or break its own record of six first-rounders in one draft (set in 2021).

NFL Teams Know They Can Trust Saban Guys

There’s a reason Alabama players fly off the board early: they’re ready.

Nick Saban’s former players come into the league with an NFL mindset. Coaches and executives repeatedly say that Alabama alums are well-coached, mentally tough, and know how to handle the pressure and discipline of the pro game.

And it’s not just about athletic ability — it’s about character and consistency. That’s why Alabama players often rise late in the draft process after interviews and workouts.

The Saban-to-NFL Coaching Tree Effect

It’s also worth noting that Alabama’s impact on the NFL extends beyond players. Saban’s coaching tree — including names like Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin, and Bill O’Brien — has spread throughout college football and the NFL.

But even more crucially, his relationships in the league have helped build trust with GMs and scouts. There’s a long-standing respect between NFL franchises and the Alabama staff — a synergy that helps prospects get evaluated fairly and thoroughly.

How This Streak Compares to Other Programs

Alabama has now surpassed Miami’s legendary run of 14 straight years with a first-round pick (1995–2008).

Other schools come and go in terms of talent pipelines:

• Ohio State has had hot stretches but no streak this long.
• LSU has produced elite talent but with more inconsistency.
• Georgia is rising quickly, especially on defense, but still trails Alabama in longevity.

No one has been as steady, deep, or consistently elite as Alabama under Nick Saban.

What’s Next: Can the Streak Survive the Post-Saban Era?

That’s the million-dollar question. With Nick Saban retiring in January 2024 and Kalen DeBoer taking over, many wondered if Alabama would dip.

But early signs are strong: recruiting remains elite, and player development hasn’t skipped a beat. The 2025 NFL Draft could actually be one of the most loaded Alabama classes yet, depending on how some underclassmen test and interview.

DeBoer, known for his offensive creativity and quarterback development, could evolve Alabama’s brand even further — from a dominant, physical team to a dynamic, modern NFL factory.

The Crimson Standard

Fifteen straight years of first-round NFL Draft picks.

That number symbolizes more than just talent. It reflects Alabama’s infrastructure, culture, coaching, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

As long as the Tide continue to prepare players the way they have, this streak could last years longer — perhaps even pushing toward 20 consecutive drafts with a first-round pick.

One thing is certain: when NFL teams are on the clock, the words “from Alabama” still carry enormous weight.

And with another crop of future stars ready to hear their names called in 2025, the streak isn’t just alive — it’s thriving.