In addition to roster movement with the transfer portal, declarations for the 2023 NFL Draft will also impact Alabama football‘s roster for next season.
That’s nothing new. Especially considering the number of draft picks Nick Saban produces each year. He has had 41 players selected in the first round alone over his 16 seasons with the Crimson Tide.
To be eligible, a player must have been out of high school for three or more years.
Here’s a look at the Crimson Tide players who have either declared for the NFL Draft or have made known they plan to stay for another year.
NICK SABAN:How Nick Saban transformed Alabama football — and changed a blueblood forever
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Alabama football players who have declared for 2023 NFL Draft
Quarterback Bryce Young: He declared early for the NFL Draft after putting together one of the best careers ever for an Alabama quarterback. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner accounted for 50 total touchdowns in his sophomore season and 36 in his junior year. Both are in the top four all-time for Alabama players.
Linebacker Will Anderson Jr.: Anderson declared early for the NFL after being a force on the Alabama defense for years. He became the first two-time unanimous All-American in the history of Alabama’s program.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs: He joins the ranks of one-and-done transfer a year after Jameson Williams did the same. Gibbs hopes he can join Williams as a first-round pick. Gibbs transferred from Georgia Tech.
Defensive back Brian Branch: Declaring early, Branch is the top-ranked safety prospect, per ESPN. He primarily played the Star position the past two seasons. He is fresh off arguably his best game for the Crimson Tide after he finished with 12 tackles, one sack and an interception against Kansas State.
Safety Jordan Battle: A senior, Battle has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl in Mobile.
Safety DeMarcco Hellams: Like Battle, Hellams is a multi-year starting safety who has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl.
Offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr.: The first team All-SEC guard started three years for the Crimson Tide. The redshirt senior accepted his invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Offensive lineman Tyler Steen: He transferred from Vanderbilt and was a starter all season at left tackle. He has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl.
Tight end Cameron Latu: He has been a two-year starter at tight end, catching 56 passes for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl.
Kicker Will Reichard: The program’s all-time points leader will take his talents to the NFL. The Hoover native has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl.
Defensive lineman DJ Dale: The senior nose tackle has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl after he tallied seven tackles and 2.5 sacks this season.
Defensive lineman Byron Young: The Mississippi native has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl. He tallied 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2022.
Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o: The senior linebacker has been the leader on Alabama’s defense the past two seasons, practically serving as a coach on the field. The former Tennessee transfer has accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl.
Staying with Alabama football
This list will be updated if/when players who are seniors eligible for the draft announce they will stay at Alabama. None has yet as of Jan. 2.
