Since 2008, at least one Alabama Crimson Tide player has been selected in the first round of every NFL Draft. This currently active, 18-year streak, is record-breaking. They’re not just first-rounders either, but mid-to-high first round picks. Alabama has seen at least one player go in the top 11 overall, every year from 2018-2023. In 2021, they had three picks in the top ten, and five in the top 17. The Tide had a grand total of 47 first round picks during the Nick Saban era (2007–2023).
This year, we saw a Bama player come off the board back-to-back at #12 (Kadyn Proctor, OL, Miami Dolphins) and #13 (Ty Simpson, L.A. Rams) continuing a trend that show no signs of stopping. Now we’re even seeing this draft night success carry over to men’s basketball, in a “rising tide (pun intended) lifts all boats kind of thing.
The NBA Draft Combine is this week, and Alabama have two participants in point guard Labaron Philon and wing/guard Amari Allen. Philon is likely to be a top 15 pick while Allen could go in the top 30. So this draft tide will keep on rolling into the summer, and continue into next spring when the 2027 NFL Draft arrives.
The Tide have three strong first rounds prospects for next year’s draft in wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, cornerback Zabien Brown and safety Keon Sabb. Tankathon has Coleman-Williams 13 and Brown 16 on their big board. Meanwhile NFL Draft Buzz has Sabb #15 overall.
Brown brings top end speed and rare playmaking ability that can make him a true “lock down corner.” Williams has elite route-running skills which make him extremely effective in both the vertical passing game and at the intermediate level. Sabb is drawing praise from scouts due to his versatility (he can also play nickel, in addition to safety) and ability to stuff the run. With all the tremendous traits that this trio brings to the table, the first round selection streak is almost certain to continue on.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Tide boast trio of 1st round prospects for next year’s draft