Waddle, Jones among Alabama underclassmen to enter NFL draft
Several Alabama stars are officially off to the NFL.
Quarterback Mac Jones, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, cornerback Patrick Surtain, and defensive tackle Christian Barmore announced Thursday they will forgo their remaining college eligibility and enter the 2021 draft.
The underclassmen revealed their decisions on a joint conference call with head coach Nick Saban.
Additionally, senior linebacker Dylan Moses later announced he's also declaring for the NFL draft. The first-team All-SEC defender finished second on the team with 76 total tackles last season.
Running back Najee Harris, offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood, and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith are also among those expected to declare for the draft, but they're seniors and weren't included on the call.
As has been the case in recent years, the Crimson Tide fielded several talented prospects now in the upcoming class. Waddle is a speedy receiver who's a likely first-round pick, while Jones' breakout campaign could make him a top-50 selection.
Defensively, Barmore was only a redshirt sophomore, but he possesses the traits and production to be an early-round selection. Surtain, the son of three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain, is likely to be among the first defenders off the board in April.
After another national championship, Alabama is set to lose a number of talented players to the NFL. However, Saban's squad will reset once again with an elite recruiting class and likely returnees Christopher Allen, Josh Jobe, and Brian Robinson.
Bryce Young, a 2020 five-star quarterback, is the favorite to take over for Jones next season.