Alabama had five players declare early for the 2018 NFL draft, and Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban expressed understanding in all five situations.
“From a business standpoint, this is a good decision for them,” Saban said last week in a news conference.
The Southeastern Conference had 27 players elect to bypass their remaining eligibility for this year’s draft, with Monday marking the deadline for players to decide. LSU led the league with six early departures, followed by the five from Alabama and four each from Auburn and Florida.
Five league programs – Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and Vanderbilt – did not lose a player early to the draft, with Mizzou quarterback Drew Lock joining Alabama running back Damien Harris and Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham as some of the league’s top performers who chose to remain in college.
Headed out
The 27 players from the SEC who elected to forgo their remaining eligibility to enter the 2018 NFL draft:› Alabama — S Minkah Fitzpatrick, S Ronnie Harrison, DT Da’Ron Payne, WR Calvin Ridley, RB Bo Scarbrough.› Auburn — CB Carlton Davis, OLB Jeff Holland, RB Kerryon Johnson, RB Kamryn Pettway.› Florida — DT Taven Bryan, WR Antonio Callaway, S Marcell Harris, PK Eddy Pineiro.› Georgia — LB Roquan Smith, DT Trenton Thompson.› LSU — C/G Will Clapp, RB Derrius Guice, CB Donte Jackson, DE Arden Key, CB Kevin Toliver II, OT Toby Weathersby.› Ole Miss — DE Breeland Speaks.› South Carolina — TE Hayden Hurst.› Tennessee — CB Rashaan Gaulden, RB John Kelly, DT Kahlil McKenzie.› Texas A&M — WR Christian Kirk.