Now that Alabama’s season is almost officially over, several players will have crucial decisions to make in the days and weeks ahead. More specifically, there will be a handful of players that are tasked with making the decision to enter the NFL Draft or return to school. The deadline to enter the NFL Draft is January 6.
The expectation is that no one will sit out of the bowl game for the Crimson Tide. With that being the case, decisions will likely be made after the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31.
As of this moment, three juniors are projected to be Day 1 picks. Those being quarterback Jalen Milroe, offensive guard Tyler Booker, and linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Otherwise, the remaining juniors will likely be Day 2 or Day 3 picks.
That group consists of cornerback Domani Jackson, defensive end LT Overton, center Parker Brailsford, running back Jam Miller, wide receiver Germie Bernard, and safety Keon Sabb. Each of those players will have to lean on draft feedback and discussions with the coaching staff to help make their decision. I could see each of them turning pro or returning to school.
Other players that are draft eligible but will likely return or possibly even transfer elsewhere are offensive guard Jaeden Roberts, nose guard Tim Keenan III, tight end Josh Cuevas, offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett, offensive guard Geno VanDemark, safety DeVonta Smith, cornerback DaShawn Jones, and wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
It goes without saying that Alabama will lose some key contributors from the 2024 season. We will continue to monitor their decisions and keep you updated with the latest.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.