2018 NFL draft
The 2018 NFL Draft was the annual selection process in which the 32 National Football League (NFL) franchises chose eligible amateur players to join their rosters for the upcoming season, held over three days from April 26 to 28 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.[1] This event marked the first time the draft was hosted inside an NFL stadium, hosted by the Dallas Cowboys.[2] The draft consisted of seven rounds comprising 256 total picks, with the Cleveland Browns holding the first overall selection and choosing quarterback Baker Mayfield from the University of Oklahoma.[1] The first round highlighted a strong emphasis on offensive talent, particularly at quarterback, as four signal-callers were taken among the top 10 picks: Mayfield (No. 1, Browns), Sam Darnold (No. 3, New York Jets), Josh Allen (No. 7, Buffalo Bills), and Josh Rosen (No. 10, Arizona Cardinals).[1] Other marquee selections included running back Saquon Barkley from Penn State, taken second overall by the New York Giants, and defensive end Bradley Chubb from NC State, selected fifth by the Denver Broncos.[1] The Browns further bolstered their roster by drafting cornerback Denzel Ward from Ohio State at No. 4, giving them two top-five picks after acquiring the fourth selection in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.[1] Beyond the top selections, the draft featured significant trades—over 30 in total—and a deep class of defensive talent, with standout later picks like linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (No. 16, Buffalo Bills) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (No. 32, Baltimore Ravens).[1] The 2018 class has since proven influential, producing numerous Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro performers, including Barkley, Chubb, Ward, and Jackson, who reshaped several franchises and contributed to the league's competitive landscape.[3]Preparatory Phase
Eligibility and Early Entrants
To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their high school graduation date and have exhausted or formally renounced any remaining collegiate eligibility.[4][5] This three-year rule, established in the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, applies uniformly without exceptions for hardship cases in 2018.[6] Underclassmen—typically juniors or redshirt sophomores—who meet the three-year threshold must submit an official application to the NFL by the specified deadline to declare early entry and forfeit their remaining college eligibility.[7] For the 2018 draft, the declaration deadline was January 15, 2018, with applications due by January 16; the league then reviewed and approved eligible players, announcing the official list on January 19.[7][8] This process ensures only qualified prospects enter the draft pool, with seniors automatically eligible upon exhausting their college seasons without needing special approval.[7] A record 106 underclassmen were granted special eligibility for the 2018 NFL Draft, surpassing the previous high of 98 from 2014.[7][9] Prominent early entrants included running back Saquon Barkley from Penn State, quarterback Sam Darnold from USC, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from Alabama, and linebacker Roquan Smith from Georgia, among others across positions such as wide receivers like D.J. Moore (Maryland) and offensive tackles like Quenton Nelson (Notre Dame).[7] These declarations significantly shaped the talent pool for the event held April 26–28 in Arlington, Texas.[7]Pre-Draft Evaluations
The NFL Scouting Combine, a pivotal pre-draft event, took place from February 27 to March 5, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.[10] The league invited 326 college prospects, selected based on evaluations from scouting departments, to participate in a series of standardized tests designed to assess physical attributes, athleticism, and positional skills.[11] Key drills included the 40-yard dash to measure speed, the 225-pound bench press for strength, vertical and broad jumps for explosiveness, and agility tests such as the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle.[12] Medical evaluations formed a core component of the Combine, with prospects undergoing comprehensive physical exams by team physicians, including X-rays, MRIs, and assessments of prior injuries to identify potential long-term risks.[13] Each team is permitted to conduct formal interviews with up to 60 prospects, limited to 15 minutes per interview, probing football knowledge, personality, and off-field concerns, often revealing character red flags.[14] Notable medical issues emerged, such as Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst's irregular EKG, which prompted his withdrawal from on-field testing and raised heart-related concerns among evaluators.[15] Other prospects, like Georgia running back Sony Michel, faced scrutiny over past knee injuries during these re-checks, though some with red flags returned in April for follow-ups.[13][16] Following the Combine, regional and individual pro days allowed prospects to showcase skills in more familiar settings, with teams attending workouts tailored to positions.[17] For instance, Ohio State's pro day on March 22, 2018, drew representatives from all 32 teams, where players like defensive end Sam Hubbard re-ran drills to improve upon Combine performances.[17][18] Private team visits and specialized workouts further enabled in-depth assessments, including film reviews and one-on-one sessions, helping teams refine their boards.[17] Mock drafts and expert rankings from outlets like ESPN and NFL Network played a significant role in shaping public and team expectations, projecting top talents such as quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen in early selections.[19] Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Mike Mayock updated their projections post-Combine and pro days, incorporating drill results and medical updates to highlight risers and fallers.[19][20] These evaluations collectively informed team strategies ahead of the April draft.Draft Execution
Event Details
The 2018 NFL Draft took place over three days, from April 26 to 28, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Round 1 occurred on Thursday evening, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday evening, and Rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday, concluding the 256 total selections.[2][21] AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, was chosen as the host venue for its expansive capacity exceeding 100,000 seats and modern facilities designed to enhance fan engagement, including the league's largest video boards for displaying draft visuals and player highlights. This marked the first time the draft was held entirely indoors within an NFL stadium, featuring a dedicated draft stage inside the arena while incorporating an adjacent outdoor NFL Draft Experience area for interactive fan activities, supported by robust security protocols to manage crowd flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.[2][22] NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell led the proceedings from the stage, announcing each pick and occasionally yielding to special guests, including Dallas Cowboys legends such as Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Jason Witten, who joined him for select announcements; Goodell, however, received the traditional boos from the audience upon his appearances.[23] The event drew an estimated 200,000 attendees over the three days, setting a new benchmark for draft turnout and underscoring its appeal as a major public spectacle. Broadcast coverage across multiple networks reached a combined audience of over 45 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched draft to date.[22][24][25]Broadcast and Media Coverage
The 2018 NFL Draft, held April 26–28 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, received extensive television coverage in the United States through ESPN and NFL Network as primary broadcasters, marking the first year of expanded simulcasts with FOX for Rounds 1–3 and ABC for Rounds 4–7. This multi-network approach aimed to broaden accessibility, with ESPN handling the main feed for all seven rounds and NFL Network providing complementary analysis. Internationally, fans outside the U.S. could access live streaming of the event via NFL Game Pass International, which offered comprehensive coverage including pre-draft shows and on-site footage.[26] Viewership for the draft set records, with Round 1 averaging 11.2 million viewers across ESPN, FOX, and NFL Network, an 11% increase from the 2017 first round. The three-day event drew an average of 5.5 million viewers, up 25% from the previous year and the most-watched NFL Draft to date, driven by the expanded broadcast partnerships and high anticipation for quarterback prospects. ESPN alone accounted for over 5.4 million viewers during Round 1, leading all networks for that segment. ESPN's on-air team was anchored by host Trey Wingo, alongside longtime draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., whose mock drafts and player evaluations have been a staple since 1984, as well as Todd McShay and Louis Riddick for front-office insights. On NFL Network, Rich Eisen served as host, with Mike Mayock delivering detailed prospect breakdowns that highlighted his transition from broadcaster to general manager the following year. These analysts' pre-draft mocks, including Kiper's and Mayock's final versions, generated significant pre-event discussion on player rankings and team needs. Digital and social media engagement amplified the draft's reach, with live streaming available through the NFL app and website across devices, contributing to increased mobile viewership. On Twitter, #NFLDraft trended globally, boosted by new platform-specific emojis for the event and team logos, while over 120 sponsored posts from top prospects on Twitter and Instagram achieved 55 times higher engagement rates than brand posts. NFL Digital Media produced additional live-streamed podcasts and behind-the-scenes content, enhancing fan interaction during the multi-day event.Player Selections
The 2018 NFL Draft featured 256 total selections across seven rounds, with the first round consisting of 32 picks, rounds two and three having 32 and 36 picks respectively due to compensatory selections, and subsequent rounds adjusted accordingly to reach the total. These compensatory picks—32 in all—were awarded to 15 teams based on their net losses of unrestricted free agents in the 2017 offseason, as determined by the NFL's formula accounting for player contracts and performance.[27] The draft order was primarily set by reverse record from the 2017 season, with trades influencing final allocations, though the selections below reflect the post-trade outcomes. Key highlights included a strong emphasis on quarterbacks in the first round, with five selected—the second-most in a single first round at the time—addressing franchise needs for several rebuilding teams.[1]Round 1
The first round, held on April 26, saw teams prioritize premium positions like quarterback, running back, and cornerback to fill critical roster gaps. The Cleveland Browns, coming off a 0-16 season, used their top pick on Baker Mayfield to stabilize the quarterback position after years of instability. Notable surprises included the New York Giants selecting running back Saquon Barkley second overall, passing on quarterback prospects despite Eli Manning's age, to bolster their ground game and offensive line support.[28]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College | Notes on Team Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland Browns | Baker Mayfield | QB | Oklahoma | Franchise QB after multiple stopgap starters; team finished 0-16 in 2017.[28] |
| 2 | New York Giants | Saquon Barkley | RB | Penn State | Dynamic RB to revive stagnant rushing attack; QB need deferred.[28] |
| 3 | New York Jets (from Indianapolis via Cleveland) | Sam Darnold | QB | USC | Long-term QB solution post-Genesis; offense ranked near bottom in scoring.[28] |
| 4 | Cleveland Browns (from Houston) | Denzel Ward | CB | Ohio State | Shutdown corner to pair with existing secondary; pass defense vulnerability.[28] |
| 5 | Denver Broncos | Bradley Chubb | DE | NC State | Edge rusher to improve pass rush after Von Miller's support waned.[28] |
| 6 | Indianapolis Colts (from N.Y. Jets) | Quenton Nelson | G | Notre Dame | Interior OL anchor to protect young QB Andrew Luck.[28] |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills (from Tampa Bay) | Josh Allen | QB | Wyoming | Franchise QB to address long-term need; traded up from No. 12.[28] |
| 8 | Chicago Bears | Roquan Smith | LB | Georgia | Playmaking linebacker for run defense and coverage; 5-11 record in 2017.[28] |
| 9 | Washington Redskins | Da'Ron Payne | DT | Alabama | Disruptive interior lineman to fortify run defense.[28] |
| 10 | Arizona Cardinals | Josh Rosen | QB | UCLA | Franchise QB amid instability at the position; traded up from No. 15.[28] |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | Minkah Fitzpatrick | S | Alabama | Versatile safety to upgrade secondary amid QB uncertainty.[28] |
| 12 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Vita Vea | DT | Washington | Run-stuffing nose tackle to address porous front.[28] |
| 13 | San Francisco 49ers | Mike McGlinchey | OT | Notre Dame | Left tackle protection for Jimmy Garoppolo.[28] |
| 14 | Atlanta Falcons | Calvin Ridley | WR | Alabama | Speed receiver to complement Julio Jones.[28] |
| 15 | Oakland Raiders | Kolton Miller | OT | UCLA | Bookend tackle for protection; offense struggled in 2017.[28] |
| 16 | Buffalo Bills | Tremaine Edmunds | LB | Virginia Tech | Athletic linebacker for versatile defense.[28] |
| 17 | Los Angeles Chargers | Derwin James | S | Florida State | Ball-hawking safety to elevate secondary.[28] |
| 18 | Arizona Cardinals (from Green Bay via Seattle) | Christian Kirk | WR | Arizona State | Slot receiver for local talent infusion.[28] |
| 19 | Dallas Cowboys | Leighton Vander Esch | LB | Boise State | Inside linebacker depth post-free agency.[28] |
| 20 | Detroit Lions | Kerryon Johnson | RB | Auburn | Change-of-pace back to revitalize run game.[28] |
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | Billy Price | C | Ohio State | Center replacement for aging roster. |
| 22 | Tennessee Titans | Rashaan Evans | LB | Alabama | Sideline-to-sideline linebacker for defense.[28] |
| 23 | New England Patriots (from Los Angeles Rams) | Sony Michel | RB | Georgia | Backup RB with burst to support core. |
| 24 | Carolina Panthers | D.J. Moore | WR | Maryland | Big-play receiver to boost passing attack. |
| 25 | New England Patriots | Isaiah Wynn | G | Georgia | Versatile guard for line depth. |
| 26 | Atlanta Falcons | Isaiah Oliver | CB | Colorado | Depth in secondary after draft trades. |
| 27 | Seattle Seahawks | Rashaad Penny | RB | San Diego State | Change-of-pace back for ground game. |
| 28 | New Orleans Saints | Marcus Davenport | DE | UTSA | Edge rusher to enhance pass rush. |
| 29 | Baltimore Ravens | Hayden Hurst | TE | South Carolina | Reliable tight end for passing game. |
| 30 | Minnesota Vikings | Mike Hughes | CB | UCF | Speedy corner for secondary depth. |
Trades
During the 2018 NFL Draft, held April 26–28 in Arlington, Texas, NFL teams completed 38 trades involving draft picks, more than in many prior years and reflecting aggressive roster-building strategies. These transactions spanned all seven rounds, with the majority occurring in the first three days, allowing teams to reposition for high-priority players while balancing asset values.[29] A key theme was the premium on quarterbacks, as four teams traded up in the first round to secure signal-callers, often at a cost exceeding standard trade chart values to avoid missing their targets. The Buffalo Bills, for instance, executed an early blockbuster by sending their No. 12 overall pick (value: 1,800 points on the Jimmy Johnson trade chart), a second-rounder (No. 53; 440 points), and another second-rounder (No. 56; 410 points) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the No. 7 pick (2,000 points) and a seventh-rounder (No. 255; 7 points), totaling a net overpay of about 650 points to draft Josh Allen from Wyoming and address their long-term quarterback need.[30][31] Similarly, the Arizona Cardinals moved from No. 15 (1,550 points) to No. 10 (1,800 points) by trading the No. 15 pick, a third-rounder (No. 95; 170 points), and a fifth-rounder (No. 167; 32 points) to the Oakland Raiders, a near-even deal (slight underpay of 60 points) that enabled them to select Josh Rosen from UCLA amid instability at the position.[30][31] The New York Jets also prioritized a quarterback, trading up from No. 6 (1,600 points) to No. 3 (2,600 points) with the Indianapolis Colts by surrendering a second-round pick (No. 37; 670 points) and another second-rounder (No. 49; 530 points), an overpay of roughly 400 points to draft Sam Darnold from USC as their franchise cornerstone.[31] In a later first-round maneuver, the Baltimore Ravens orchestrated a trade to land Lamar Jackson at No. 32, ultimately trading a second-round pick (No. 52; 500 points) and a fourth-rounder (No. 125; 115 points) to the Philadelphia Eagles for No. 32 (460 points), balancing the deal while gaining a dynamic playmaker.[30] Beyond quarterbacks, trades emphasized value accumulation and positional needs. The Green Bay Packers exemplified savvy dealing in Round 1, first trading down from No. 14 (1,300 points) to No. 27 (770 points) with the New Orleans Saints, acquiring a fifth-round pick (No. 147; 80 points) and a 2019 first-rounder (estimated 1,000+ points) in return; they then traded up to No. 18 (1,050 points) with the Seattle Seahawks by giving No. 27, a third-rounder (No. 76; 285 points), and a seventh-rounder (No. 247; 4 points), netting a net gain in future assets to select cornerback Jaire Alexander from Louisville.[29][30] In Round 3, the Cleveland Browns traded their No. 67 pick (220 points) and No. 178 (25 points) to the Indianapolis Colts for No. 64 (240 points), a minor move up to draft offensive tackle Austin Corbett from Nevada and bolster their line.[30] Later rounds featured smaller, efficiency-focused swaps, such as the Chicago Bears sending a fourth-round pick (No. 105; 100 points) and a 2019 second-rounder (530 points) to the New England Patriots for No. 51 (460 points) to select wide receiver Anthony Miller from Memphis, prioritizing immediate offensive help over long-term depth.[31] Overall, these trades, guided by the Jimmy Johnson chart's point system—which assigns decreasing values from 3,000 for the top pick to single digits in later rounds—enabled teams to adapt dynamically, though quarterback pursuits often justified premiums that altered draft trajectories.[30]| Round | Acquiring Team | Picks Received | Picks Given | Strategic Impact | Trade Chart Net (Points) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buffalo Bills | No. 7, No. 255 | No. 12, No. 53, No. 56 | Moved up for QB Josh Allen | -650 (overpay) |
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals | No. 10 | No. 15, No. 95, No. 167 | Moved up for QB Josh Rosen | +60 (slight underpay) |
| 1 | New York Jets | No. 3 | No. 6, No. 37, No. 49 | Moved up for QB Sam Darnold | -400 (overpay) |
| 1 | Baltimore Ravens | No. 32 | No. 52, No. 125 | Moved up for QB Lamar Jackson | Even (approx. 0) |
| 1 | Green Bay Packers | No. 18 | No. 27, No. 76, No. 247 | Moved up for CB Jaire Alexander after trading down | +500+ (future assets) |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | No. 64 | No. 67, No. 178 | Minor move up for OT Austin Corbett | -15 (slight overpay) |
Post-Draft Activities
Undrafted Free Agents
Following the conclusion of the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft on April 28, 2018, undrafted free agency commenced immediately, allowing the 32 teams to sign eligible college players who were not selected in the draft to rookie contracts. This chaotic period, often referred to as the "UDFA frenzy," typically begins around 6 p.m. ET and involves teams using phone calls, agents, and scouts to secure talent before competitors, with contracts featuring minimal guaranteed money but potential for roster spots through training camp and preseason performances.[32][33] Teams collectively signed hundreds of undrafted free agents in the hours and days after the draft, with comprehensive trackers documenting over 250 initial agreements across the league as squads bolstered their rosters ahead of mandatory minicamps.[34] These signings often included small bonuses—such as $5,000 to $15,000 for top prospects—to incentivize players, though most contracts were non-guaranteed and subject to competition for final 53-man roster spots.[33] Among the notable signings, running back Phillip Lindsay joined the Denver Broncos after a standout college career at Colorado, where he earned a modest $2,000 signing bonus but quickly proved his value by rushing for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie—the first undrafted player to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season since 2003—earning a Pro Bowl alternate nod and helping solidify the Broncos' backfield.[33][35] Similarly, running back Darrel Williams signed with the Kansas City Chiefs out of LSU, initially as a backup but emerging as a versatile contributor with 143 rushing yards and a touchdown in limited 2018 action, later becoming a key rotational player in the Chiefs' back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2020 and 2023.[36][37] Other success stories included cornerback J.C. Jackson, who signed with the New England Patriots from Maryland and recorded 22 tackles as a rookie before developing into a starting-caliber defender with multiple interceptions over his career, and defensive tackle Poona Ford, signed by the Seattle Seahawks out of Texas, who earned a roster spot and started 17 games in 2021 after initial practice squad stints.[38][39] Running back Gus Edwards also stood out after signing with the Baltimore Ravens from Rutgers, amassing 235 rushing yards on just 33 carries as a rookie and evolving into a power back with over 900 yards in the 2019 season.[34] These trajectories highlight how undrafted free agents from the 2018 class often transitioned from overlooked prospects to impactful contributors, with several securing future contracts and long-term roles despite the low odds of making an NFL roster.[36]Supplemental Draft
The NFL Supplemental Draft, established in 1977, provides an opportunity for players who were ineligible for the regular draft due to academic, disciplinary, or other circumstances to enter the league.[40] Teams participate by submitting blind bids using their future draft picks from the following year, with the highest bidder securing the player's rights and forfeiting the corresponding round's selection in the next draft; the draft order is determined by the previous season's records, divided into tiers for fairness.[41] The 2018 Supplemental Draft took place on July 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET.[42] Five players were granted eligibility by the league: defensive backs Adonis Alexander (Virginia Tech) and Sam Beal (Western Michigan), safety Brandon Bryant (Mississippi State), linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu (Texas A&M), and wide receiver Martayveus Carter (Illinois).[42] In the results, the New York Giants won the bidding for Sam Beal with a third-round pick, forfeiting their 2019 third-round selection.[43] The Washington Redskins (now Commanders) selected Adonis Alexander in the sixth round, giving up their 2019 sixth-round pick.[43] The remaining three players—Bryant, Ugwoegbu, and Carter—were not selected and became available as undrafted free agents, with Bryant signing with the New York Jets shortly after.[42] Historically, the Supplemental Draft has been rarely utilized, with only about 45 players selected across its existence up to 2018; the previous selection had occurred in 2015 when the St. Louis Rams took offensive tackle Isaiah Battle in the fifth round.[40] This scarcity underscores its role as a niche mechanism compared to the post-regular-draft undrafted free agent market.[44]Summary and Analysis
Selections by Position
The 2018 NFL Draft featured 256 total selections across seven rounds, with teams prioritizing a mix of positions that reflected evolving offensive schemes and defensive needs in the league. Offensive players accounted for 133 picks (52 percent), including a notable emphasis on skill positions such as quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, totaling 92 selections in those roles. Defensive players made up 116 picks (45 percent), while the remaining seven were specialists. This distribution highlighted teams' focus on bolstering passing attacks amid the NFL's pass-heavy era, contrasted with a balanced but slightly lower investment in the trenches on both sides of the ball.[1]| Position Group | Total Selections |
|---|---|
| Quarterback (QB) | 13 |
| Running Back (RB) | 20 |
| Wide Receiver (WR) | 45 |
| Tight End (TE) | 14 |
| Offensive Line (OL) | 41 |
| Total Offensive | 133 |
| Defensive Line (DL) | 43 |
| Linebacker (LB) | 25 |
| Defensive Back (DB) | 48 |
| Total Defensive | 116 |
| Specialists (K/P/LS) | 7 |
| Grand Total | 256 |
Selections by College Conference
The 2018 NFL Draft highlighted the talent depth across NCAA conferences, with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) once again dominating the selections, totaling 53 picks and accounting for approximately 20.7% of the 256 overall choices. This marked the 12th consecutive year the SEC led the nation in draft picks, underscoring its consistent production of professional-ready athletes. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) followed closely with 45 selections, while the Big Ten contributed 33, reflecting the competitive balance among Power Five leagues but with the SEC's clear edge in volume and quality. The SEC's dominance extended to the first round, where it produced 10 of the 32 picks—the most of any conference and the seventh time in eight years it led in opening-round selections. This included standout players from schools like Alabama and Georgia, many of whom emerged from the national championship game. In contrast, other major conferences like the ACC (6 first-rounders) and Big Ten (4) showed strong but secondary contributions in the premium rounds.| Conference | Total Picks | Percentage of Draft |
|---|---|---|
| SEC | 53 | 20.7% |
| ACC | 45 | 17.6% |
| Big Ten | 33 | 12.9% |
| Pac-12 | 30 | 11.7% |
| Big 12 | 20 | 7.8% |
| American Athletic (AAC) | 18 | 7.0% |
| Conference USA (C-USA) | 10 | 3.9% |
| Mountain West (MWC) | 9 | 3.5% |
| Mid-American (MAC) | 5 | 2.0% |
| Independents | 5 | 2.0% |
| Sun Belt | 4 | 1.6% |
| FCS/Division II/III | 24 | 9.4% |
Schools with Multiple Selections
The 2018 NFL Draft featured selections from 108 unique colleges and universities, reflecting the widespread distribution of professional talent emerging from college football programs across the United States.[47] Alabama topped all institutions with 12 players drafted, establishing a school record and tying Ohio State's 2006 mark for the most selections from a single program in a seven-round draft era. This haul, which included four first-round picks, highlighted the Crimson Tide's exceptional talent pipeline under head coach Nick Saban, whose rigorous recruiting and development system has positioned Alabama as an NFL "draft factory" since his arrival in 2007.[48][49] The Alabama draftees were:- Minkah Fitzpatrick, S (1st round, 11th overall, Miami Dolphins)
- Da'Ron Payne, DT (1st round, 13th overall, Washington Redskins)
- Rashaan Evans, LB (1st round, 22nd overall, Tennessee Titans)
- Calvin Ridley, WR (1st round, 26th overall, Atlanta Falcons)
- Ronnie Harrison, S (3rd round, 93rd overall, Arizona Cardinals)
- Da'Shawn Hand, DE (4th round, 114th overall, Detroit Lions)
- Anthony Averett, CB (4th round, 118th overall, Philadelphia Eagles)
- JK Scott, P (5th round, 172nd overall, Green Bay Packers)
- Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB (6th round, 197th overall, Washington Redskins)
- Bradley Bozeman, C (6th round, 215th overall, Baltimore Ravens)
- Bo Scarbrough, RB (7th round, 236th overall, Dallas Cowboys)
- Josh Frazier, DT (7th round, 246th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Derwin James, S (1st round, 17th overall, Los Angeles Chargers)
- Derrick Nnadi, DT (3rd round, 75th overall, Kansas City Chiefs)
- Rick Leonard, OT (4th round, 127th overall, New Orleans Saints)
- Josh Sweat, DE (4th round, 130th overall, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Ryan Izzo, TE (7th round, 250th overall, Kansas City Chiefs)
- Auden Tate, WR (7th round, 253rd overall, Buffalo Bills)
- Roquan Smith, LB (1st round, 8th overall, Chicago Bears)
- Isaiah Wynn, OT (1st round, 23rd overall, New England Patriots)
- Sony Michel, RB (1st round, 31st overall, New England Patriots)
- Nick Chubb, RB (2nd round, 35th overall, Cleveland Browns)
- Lorenzo Carter, DE (3rd round, 66th overall, New York Giants)
- Javon Wims, WR (7th round, 224th overall, Chicago Bears)
- Donte Jackson, CB (2nd round, 55th overall, Carolina Panthers)
- Derrius Guice, RB (2nd round, 59th overall, Washington Redskins)
- DJ Chark, WR (2nd round, 61st overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Arden Key, DE (3rd round, 87th overall, Oakland Raiders)
- Russell Gage, WR (6th round, 194th overall, Atlanta Falcons)
- Danny Etling, QB (7th round, 219th overall, New England Patriots)
- Will Clapp, C (7th round, 245th overall, New Orleans Saints)
- Denzel Ward, CB (1st round, 4th overall, Cleveland Browns)
- Billy Price, C (1st round, 21st overall, Cincinnati Bengals)
- Tyquan Lewis, DE (2nd round, 64th overall, Indianapolis Colts)
- Jerome Baker, LB (3rd round, 73rd overall, Miami Dolphins)
- Sam Hubbard, DE (3rd round, 77th overall, Cincinnati Bengals)
- Jalyn Holmes, DE (4th round, 102nd overall, Minnesota Vikings)
- Jamarco Jones, OT (5th round, 168th overall, Seattle Seahawks)
- Saquon Barkley, RB (1st round, 2nd overall, New York Giants)
- Mike Gesicki, TE (2nd round, 42nd overall, Miami Dolphins)
- Troy Apke, S (4th round, 109th overall, Washington Redskins)
- DaeSean Hamilton, WR (4th round, 113th overall, Denver Broncos)
- Marcus Allen, S (5th round, 148th overall, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Christian Campbell, CB (6th round, 182nd overall, Washington Redskins)
- Bradley Chubb, DE (1st round, 5th overall, Denver Broncos)
- BJ Hill, DT (3rd round, 69th overall, Cincinnati Bengals)
- Justin Jones, DT (3rd round, 84th overall, Miami Dolphins)
- Nyheim Hines, RB (4th round, 104th overall, Indianapolis Colts)
- Kentavius Street, DT (4th round, 128th overall, San Francisco 49ers)
- Will Richardson, OT (4th round, 129th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Jaylen Samuels, FB (5th round, 165th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Chad Thomas, DE (3rd round, 67th overall, Cleveland Browns)
- Christopher Herndon IV, TE (4th round, 107th overall, Miami Dolphins)
- Mark Walton, RB (4th round, 112th overall, Miami Dolphins)
- RJ McIntosh, DT (5th round, 139th overall, New York Giants)
- Braxton Berrios, WR (6th round, 210th overall, New England Patriots)
- Kendrick Norton, DT (7th round, 242nd overall, Dallas Cowboys)
- Taven Bryan, DT (1st round, 29th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Duke Dawson, CB (2nd round, 56th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Antonio Callaway, WR (4th round, 105th overall, Cleveland Browns)
- Johnny Townsend, P (5th round, 173rd overall, Oakland Raiders)
- Marcell Harris, LB (6th round, 184th overall, San Francisco 49ers)
- Tremaine Edmunds, LB (1st round, 16th overall, Buffalo Bills)
- Terrell Edmunds, S (1st round, 28th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Tim Settle, DT (5th round, 163rd overall, Washington Redskins)
- Wyatt Teller, G (5th round, 166th overall, Cleveland Browns)
- Greg Stroman, CB (7th round, 241st overall, Washington Redskins)
- Quenton Nelson, G (1st round, 6th overall, Indianapolis Colts)
- Mike McGlinchey, OT (1st round, 9th overall, San Francisco 49ers)
- Durham Smythe, TE (4th round, 123rd overall, Miami Dolphins)
- Equanimeous St. Brown, WR (6th round, 207th overall, Green Bay Packers)
- Braden Smith, OT (2nd round, 37th overall, Indianapolis Colts)
- Kerryon Johnson, RB (2nd round, 43rd overall, Detroit Lions)
- Carlton Davis, CB (2nd round, 63rd overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Daniel Carlson, K (5th round, 167th overall, Minnesota Vikings)
- Vita Vea, DT (1st round, 12th overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Dante Pettis, WR (2nd round, 44th overall, San Francisco 49ers)
- Will Dissly, TE (4th round, 120th overall, Seattle Seahawks)
- Azeem Victor, LB (6th round, 216th overall, Seattle Seahawks)
- Keishawn Bierria, LB (6th round, 217th overall, Seattle Seahawks)
- Nick Nelson, CB (4th round, 110th overall, Oakland Raiders)
- Troy Fumagalli, TE (5th round, 156th overall, Denver Broncos)
- Natrell Jamerson, S (5th round, 164th overall, New Orleans Saints)
- Jack Cichy, LB (6th round, 202nd overall, New England Patriots)
- Leon Jacobs, DE (7th round, 230th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)