The 2025 NFL Draft starts on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the 32 first-round picks. AL.com is counting down to the event by highlighting the best choice – overall, from the SEC and of players from Alabama high schools and colleges -- made with each of the first 32 picks in the 89 NFL drafts.
Best No. 30 pick: Wisconsin outside linebacker T.J. Watt by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 includes a former No. 30 pick – cornerback Eric Allen from 1988. He’s joining linebacker Sam Huff – draft of 1956, Hall of Fame Class of 1982 – in the football shrine.
Watt is on his way to Canton, too. Except for his rookie season, Watt has been a Pro Bowler in every campaign for the Steelers. He’s also been a first-team All-Pro selection four times, including in 2021, when he piled up 22.5 sacks and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards presented by The Associated Press, Pro Football Writers of America and The Sporting News.
Watt has led the NFL in sacks in three seasons and has 108 in his career.
The most recent No. 30 pick is Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins by the Baltimore Ravens.
Best No. 30 pick from the SEC: LSU running back Joseph Addai by the Indianapolis Colts in 2006
Of the 13 SEC players who have been the No. 30 pick in an NFL draft, Addai is the only one who has been selected for the Pro Bowl. Addai earned that honor in his second season, when he ran for 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns on 261 carries and caught 41 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns.
Addai also had been a 1,000-yard rusher as a rookie for Indianapolis. He spent his entire career with the Colts and had 4,453 yards and 39 touchdowns on 1,095 rushing attempts and 1,448 yards and nine touchdowns on 191 receptions in six seasons.
The most recent No. 30 pick from the SEC is Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene by the Miami Dolphins in 2020.
Best No. 30 pick with Alabama football roots: Northern Illinois safetyJimmie Ward by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014
While injuries have dogged the former Davidson High School standout throughout his NFL career, Ward has played in more games and started more games in the league than any of the other six players from Alabama high schools and colleges chosen at No. 30.
Now with the Houston Texans, the former Mobile prep star is preparing for his 12th NFL season in 2025. Ward has played in 126 regular-season and nine playoff games and been deployed all over the secondary during his NFL career.
RELATED:TEXANS COACH DEMECO RYANS WANTS JIMMIE WARD ON THE FIELD MORE IN 2025
The Buffalo Bills hold the No. 30 pick in the NFL Draft on April 24.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at@AMarkG1.